Here is a look at what you should know about COVID-19 this week.
Johnson County is still in the "orange" this week. What does that mean?
Johnson County is among 75 Indiana counties in "orange," according to the state’s color-coded metrics, where it has been for nearly a month. There are fewer counties in the "red" risk category this week, at 16. One county is in "yellow."
In orange, attendance at school or winter athletic events should be limited to 25% capacity; workplace break rooms and common areas should be restricted; and recreational sports leagues should limit attendance to parents and required personnel only.
To enter the "red," the positivity rate in Johnson County would have to rise to 15%, based on the 7-day average of all tests taken by residents.
Are local businesses complying with the mask order?
The Johnson County Health Department receives about 10 mask complaints daily, said Betsy Swearingen, health department director. This is about the same number of complaints the department received last week, she said.
After an initial warning that the health department would take action if necessary, businesses are, so far, complying with the order and the department has not had to fine or suspend any food licenses, Swearingen said.
Will we see a surge in cases post-Thanksgiving?
Local and state health officials on Wednesday said if there is a holiday surge, it would appear in the next few days.
Dr. Kristina Box, state health commissioner, said she fears a surge in cases could come seven to 10 days after Thanksgiving, based on the typical onset of COVID-19 symptoms after exposure.
Testing has slowed this week at the health department’s COVID-19 test site, but the department is preparing for the possibility that there could be a post-holiday surge if residents were exposed at warned-against Thanksgiving gatherings.
What can I do to reduce my risk of getting COVID-19?
Local and state health officials ask all Hoosiers to stay home if they are sick, quarantine if they believe they have been exposed to COVID-19, wear a mask when in public, avoid crowds and socially distance from those outside their close contacts.
What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to COVID-19?
Anyone who was within six feet of a COVID-19-positive person for more than 15 minutes could potentially have the virus and should quarantine, health experts say.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday updated its quarantine guidance for potentially exposed individuals. The CDC recommends individuals stay home for 14 days if possible, but provides alternatives for asymptomatic individuals.
Quarantine may end on Day 10 if the individual has not developed symptoms, or on Day 7 if the individual tests negative after Day 5, the CDC says.
Box recommended Hoosiers stay home for 14 days after exposure if at all possible. However, if someone is being pressured to return to work, they can do so if they wear a mask and stay six feet away from others, Box said.
Individuals should get a COVID-19 test five days after potential exposure if asymptomatic, or sooner if symptoms develop. The CDC says the COVID-19 onset period is typically five to 10 days after exposure.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
When will I be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
State health officials expect to have initial doses of a COVID-19 vaccine by mid-December if one or more vaccines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration soon, Indiana’s chief medical officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver said Wednesday.
Indiana plans to follow the CDC’s recommendation to vaccinate frontline health care workers and long-term care facility residents first, Weaver said. The hope is to have most of this group vaccinated by the end of 2020, if a vaccine is approved by mid-month, she said.
The state is already making plans to vaccinate critical workers such as teachers and first responders following the initial distribution, Weaver said.
The vaccine will not be mandatory, she said.
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Here is a look at the latest numbers available, between Nov. 25 and Tuesday:
Johnson County
Weekly cases: 1,092
Weekly deaths: 10
7-day positivity rate: 12.1%
Indiana
Weekly cases: 38,548
Weekly deaths: 362
7-day positivity rate: 11%
Source: Indiana State Department of Health
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