Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Kosciusko County was up to 111 total tests performed for COVID-19 as of Monday morning, with 54 results received.
Of those, 50 were negative, but the county now has a fourth person who tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The information provided by the Kosciusko County Health Department comes from local hospitals regarding COVID-19 testing in Kosciusko County, as of Monday. Not all tests performed and test results have been reported, but the Health Department is doing its best to provide the most up-to-date data, according to an email it sent out Monday.
The KCHD email also stated, “We would like to bring to everyone's attention that once we are notified of a positive lab, we begin a case investigation. So far, we have been able to start investigations within the first hour, meaning we have contacted the case and have identified close contacts, as well as work/facility environments. We properly instruct close contacts to quarantine themselves in accordance with CDC and ISDH precautions. Further, organizations are contacted and assisted in identifying who may be at risk and actions required.
“If you, or anyone you know, has any questions regarding essential businesses and whether or not local businesses are following mandates put into place by the governor's executive order, please reach out to the Indiana State Department of Health’s Critical Industry Hotline at 1-877-820-0890 or covidresponse@iedc.in.gov.”
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Monday that 273 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private laboratories. That brings to 1,786 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total. Thirty-five Hoosiers have died.
To date, 11,658 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 9,830 on Sunday.
Marion County had the most new cases, at 135, while Hamilton County had 20, Lake County had 12 and Madison County had 11. The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at www.coronavirus.in.gov, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH.
Salvation Army Hotline
The Salvation Army is offering an emotional and spiritual support hotline at 877-740-8829 through its national office, according to Envoy Ken Locke, local director.
"So many people are facing these uncertain times with high anxiety," Locke said. "We are all very busy on the local level but this affords people a place to call if they need to talk to someone."
The phones are manned 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with staff and volunteers trained in crisis counseling to help during the COVID-19 crisis. The line offers Spanish. For more information, go to www.sawarsaw.org.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including COVID-19 and the flu, is to:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% or greater alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Practice social distancing (no group functions such as book clubs, meetings and congregations of 10 or more).
• Stay home unless it is essential for you to go somewhere.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
