The Indiana State Department of Health reported a Thursday surge of COVID-19 cases, deaths and tests after a week of low numbers.
With 1,046 new cases all confirmed Aug. 12 and 20 new deaths between July 31 and Aug. 12, these new numbers bring Indiana's totals to 77,565 positive cases and 2,898 deaths.
The upward trend of hospitalizations is worrisome, State Health Commissioner Kris Box said at a Wednesday news conference. Box appeared frustrated with the lack of compliance with social distancing guidelines and health precautions across the state.
Dr. Kristina Box. (Gov. Eric Holcomb/Facebook)
Box warned that the virus will continue to spread if people aren’t careful.
“We have been able to link many of these cases to holiday gatherings, graduation parties and weddings," she said. "My fear is that we will see another spike after Labor Day if people continue to ignore our guidance.”
Despite schools and businesses across the state reopening, Box said Hoosiers should not be going about business as usual.
“This is our story right now and if we want to change the narrative, we all have to do our part," she said. "So please keep wearing your mask, stay home if you’re sick.”
A city solely composed of Indiana’s positive cases would be the eighth-largest city in the state.
Indiana also saw an increase in its seven-day positivity rate to 7.8 percent. Another 11,272 Hoosiers were tested for COVID-19, bringing the state total to 877,970.
In Monroe County, another 10 residents tested positive, growing the county’s cumulative total to 777 cases, while the death total remained the same at 32. The county has tested 18,007 residents with a 3.2 percent seven-day positivity rate.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
