The county is “blue” with a “yellow” advisory level. What does that mean?
The county this week moved to “blue,” based on COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents and positivity rate. In the last week 126 new cases were reported and the 7-day positivity rate was 4.7%.
The county is under a “yellow” advisory level, so gatherings may increase to 100 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity, guidelines say. When the advisory level goes to “blue” the county has the ability to be fully open unless any local government decides otherwise.
This week across the state, there are 39 “blue” counties, 50 “yellow” counties and three “orange” counties. No counties are in “red.”
The statewide 7-day positivity rate on Wednesday was 4.1%.
Though the metrics are positive, Gov. Eric Holcomb said Wednesday that this is “not a mission accomplished moment.” It is only because of the precautions Hoosiers have been taking that the state’s metrics are this positive, he said.
Holcomb announced he is extending the emergency order for 30 more days, along with the executive order outlining the color-coded county guidelines. Both will remain in effect for another month to keep the state on track as March Madness approaches, he said.
The county hospital had zero new cases for two days straight. What does that mean?
After cases hovered near zero for several weeks, the Johnson Memorial Hospital on Tuesday reported zero active COVID-19 infections for the first time since late September, said Dr. David Dunkle, hospital president and CEO. On Wednesday there were, again, no active cases.
With continued precautions and more vaccines, Dunkle hopes to see it stay like this, he said.
As more variants emerge, including a newly discovered California variant, caution is needed to make sure the more infectious strains don’t take hold.
Local health officials have not been informed about any local cases stemming from variants, said Betsy Swearingen, director of the Johnson County Health Department.
Sixteen cases of the United Kingdom variant have been reported around the state.
The county-run vaccine clinic is splitting up on April 1. What does that mean?
The joint COVID-19 vaccine clinic run by the Johnson County Health Department and Johnson Memorial Hospital will divide and conquer on April 1. However, the same amount of doses will be administered.
The clinic is splitting up for a couple of reasons.
One reason is the doses being administered are more than the entities can efficiently give at one location. Giving so many vaccines in one location creates a bottleneck at times, Swearingen said.
Also, a remodel is planned in the hospital’s old emergency wing, where the clinic is currently being held. After the clinic moves out, the hospital will start remodeling the space to create a wound care center, Dunkle said.
The hospital will continue to administer first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine in another area of the hospital, while the health department will give Moderna vaccines at Compass Park’s event center, Swearingen said.
Health officials say splitting up the clinic will benefit the community, though there may be some initial confusion.
Any individual who is impacted by the move will be notified about the change before their appointment. Second doses to be administered after April 1 will be scheduled at the correct location, Swearingen said.
How is the state’s vaccination effort going?
About 921,000 Hoosiers have received vaccines, and more than 482,500 are fully vaccinated. In Johnson County, more than 22,000 have received vaccines, and 12,400 are fully vaccinated, according to state data.
The state on Tuesday widened eligibility to Hoosiers 60 and up. So far, nearly one-fourth of eligible Hoosiers 60 to 64 have registered for a vaccine, state data shows.
Eligibility for vaccines in Indiana includes Hoosiers 60 and older, health care workers and first responders.
So far, 69% of Hoosiers 80 and older have registered for a vaccine, along with 70% of Hoosiers in their 70s, 63% of Hoosiers 65 to 69, and 38% of Hoosiers 60 to 64.
The state is getting more vaccines and plans to widen eligibility when possible, said Dr. Lindsay Weaver, state medical examiner. If the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved this weekend, the state could start getting doses as soon as next week, she said.
About 2 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available nationally, but state officials didn’t know Wednesday how many Indiana will receive, Weaver said.
BY THE NUMBERS
Here is a look at the latest numbers available, between Feb. 18 and Wednesday:
Johnson County
Cases: 126
Newly reported deaths: 7
7-day positivity rate: 4.7%
Indiana
Cases: 6,642
Newly reported deaths: 215
7-day positivity rate: 4.1%
Source: Indiana State Department of Health
IF YOU GO
Here is a look at where you can get a vaccine in the county if you meet the criteria:
Johnson Memorial Hospital
When: Vaccines available 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays.
Where: Old emergency wing, 1125 W Jefferson St, Franklin. Parking in Blue Lot H.
Registration: Online at ourshot.in.gov. Call 211 or any Johnson County Public Library for help registering.
Adult and Child Health Franklin
When: Vaccines available noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Where: 1860 Northwood Plaza, Franklin
Registration: Online at ourshot.in.gov. Call 211 or any Johnson County Public Library for help registering.
Windrose Health Edinburgh
When: Vaccines available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Where: 911 E. Main Cross Street, Edinburgh
Registration: Online at ourshot.in.gov. Call 211 or any Johnson County Public Library for help registering.
Walmart and Sams Club Pharmacies
Where: Walmart stores at 2125 N Morton St, Franklin; 882 S State Road 135, Greenwood; Sams Club at 1101 Windhorst Way, Greenwood.
Registration: Online at ourshot.in.gov. Call 211 or any Johnson County Public Library for help registering.
Kroger Pharmacies
When: Daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Kroger stores at 5961 N State Road 135, Greenwood; 2200 Independence Dr., Greenwood; 970 N. Morton St., Franklin; 3100 Meridian Parke Dr., Greenwood; 8850 S Emerson Ave, Indianapolis.
Registration: Call your local pharmacy or go online to ourshot.in.gov. Call 211 or any Johnson County Public Library for help registering.
