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March 13 Update from Indiana State Department of Health

NOTE: For the latest U.S. information and updates, the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommends that people visit coronavirus.gov.

Find additional local updates about COVID-19 here.

SOURCE: Indiana State Department of Health

UPDATE as of 4:40 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS — The number of Hoosiers who have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19 remains unchanged at 12 as announced earlier today by Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). This number reflects tests performed at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and those submitted by private laboratories.

The individuals with positive tests reside in Marion, St. Joseph, Hendricks, Adams, Boone, Howard, Johnson and Noble counties. All but one are adults.

ISDH continues to work with local health departments to identify close contacts of the existing patients and ensure that infection-control protocols, such as self-isolation and monitoring for symptoms, are implemented.

Other developments:

  • The ISDH lab has received additional testing supplies from the CDC and continues to prioritize individuals who are at high risk.
    • Individuals who do not meet those criteria are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider about private testing. Most people with COVID-19 will develop mild symptoms and do not need to be tested.
  • The ISDH call center is experiencing extremely high call volume, receiving more than 1,000 calls from 8 a.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday.
    • The ISDH general call center number is 317-233-7125. Calls after 8 p.m. should go to 317-233-1325 and will be answered by an on-call epidemiologist. Call center staff will not offer personal medical advice or provide test results. If you are sick, consult your healthcare provider.
  • Hoosiers are urged to be on alert for phishing scams or fraudulent emails, especially those pretending to be from the CDC or offering testing or vaccination, and verify that any charity seeking your assistance is legitimate before donating. Consumers who believe they may have been the victim of a scam can contact the Indiana Attorney General’s Office at https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2434.htm.
  • The CDC has issued guidance regarding cleaning surfaces in a household with a resident who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
  • The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction has posted guidance for mental health providers to help them assist Hoosiers during this outbreak. The guidance can be found here. The CDC also is providing guidance for individuals who are having difficulty coping during this time.
  • Since Jan. 28, 142 Indiana travelers have been monitored for symptoms of COVID-19, which include cough, fever and shortness of breath, due to recent travel to an impacted country.
  • Hoosiers are encouraged to continue to sign up at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 to receive alerts and the latest updated guidance as the outbreak evolves

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing COVID-19 is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

  • Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
  • Rarely, fecal contamination.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.

This is an ongoing situation and is evolving rapidly. For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and subscribe to receive updates.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at http://www.in.gov/isdh/ or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.

UPDATE as of 11 a.m.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has no new presumptive positive cases to report this morning on its COVID-19 online dashboard. A total of 12 Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19 through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a private laboratory.

The dashboard can be found at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by county of residence.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak will be provided later today.