Does Gov. Eric Holcomb’s new executive order change anything?
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday announced an update to his executive order outlining pandemic-related restrictions. Because positivity rates, case counts, hospitalizations and deaths are down across the state, Holcomb on Sunday will update the state’s color-coded metrics.
The current order strongly recommends events be limited to 25 people in “red,” 50 people in “orange,” 100 people in “yellow” and 250 in “blue.”
With the new order, attendance at social gatherings or events will also have a capacity component. In “red” or “orange,” capacity is limited to 25%. In “yellow,” it is limited to 50%. And in “blue,” the capacity is 100%.
Safety plans for social gatherings and events should still be approved by local health departments. Events must observe social distancing guidelines and plans must include the number of attendees and capacity as well as specific precautions that will be taken.
The new executive order will be in effect from Monday to Feb. 28.
Johnson County is “orange” but still “red.” What does that mean?
Johnson County’s 7-day positivity rate dropped to 12.5% Sunday, bringing an end to the county’s “red” streak. However, the advisory level for the county still remains “red” and all “red” restrictions will remain in place for two more weeks, per state guidelines.
There are now just five Indiana counties in “red,” indicating community spread has slowed significantly across the board, but with a few remaining hot spots.
How is the hospital doing this week?
Johnson Memorial Hospital on Wednesday had four COVID-19 patients, its lowest in months, said Dr. David Dunkle, Johnson Memorial Health president and CEO. The low case count gives staff a chance to breathe following a lengthy surge during the holiday season, he said.
Still, hospital officials remain vigilant during the lull, as another surge is always possible, Dunkle said. Even with the low case count and positivity rate, the general public should keep up precautions. The virus is far from gone, he said.
How can I get a vaccine?
Hoosiers 70 and older, health care workers and first responders may register for an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine at a growing number of local sites.
Prior to this week, vaccines were only available locally at Johnson Memorial Hospital or other southside hospitals.
Three additional vaccination sites were added this week in Johnson County: Adult and Child Health in Franklin; Windrose Health in Edinburgh; and the Walmart Pharmacy on Emerson Avenue in Greenwood.
To schedule an appointment at the hospital, Adult and Child, Windrose or Walmart, visit outshot.in.gov or call 211. Help is also available at any Johnson County Public Library or AARP.
Vaccines are also available at Kroger pharmacies. Appointments can be made by calling a Kroger pharmacy or registering online at kroger.com/rx/guest/get-vaccinated.
Vaccines will also be available at local Meijer stores but are not in stock yet. Customers of any age can pre-register with their information at clinic.meijer.com/ to be notified when a vaccine is available for their age group.
No matter where a vaccine is given, the same guidelines apply: shots will be free and are only open to state-approved age groups. Members of the eligible groups may get a vaccine at any vaccination site in the state.
Vaccines are by appointment only.
BY THE NUMBERS
Here is a look at the latest numbers available, between Jan. 21 and Wednesday:
Johnson County
Cases: 428
Newly reported deaths: 3
7-day positivity rate: 11.3%
Indiana
Cases: 15,360
Newly reported deaths: 201
7-day positivity rate: 9.1%
Source: Indiana State Department of Health
