Greensburg, IN— Decatur County is still trending as the highest per capita county in Indiana with 107 positive COVID cases and Franklin and Ripley County right behind in being the top counties with positive cases. During Governor Eric Holcomb’s press conference on Thursday, we had the chance to ask what the State is doing to help us stop the spread in Southeastern Indiana. Dr. Kristina Box stated that the team will be headed towards the Southeastern Indiana region in the first part of next week to assist in more testing but are engaged in with the hospitals in the area to increase testing and have couriered test for the region.
After investigating, it was found that a nursing home in Decatur County has seen 10 residents pass away since March 28, 5 of those residents in the last four days. Only one of those residents, the first death, as reported by sources, was actually tested and confirmed positive for COVID-19. At Wednesday’s press conference, Dr. Box outlined the states new plan that starts Friday, requiring facilities such as nursing homes, to report all positive and negative test results within 24 hours of results of all patients, residents, and staff as well as report any deaths or suspected COVID-19 related deaths that same group. Dr. Box stated, “I can’t speak to the Decatur County long-term care facility because it is not one that has been on their radar.” Dr. Box said the team will look into the facility.
As a reminder, the best way to stop the spread is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, wear a mask to prevent you spreading asymptomatic germs, use social distancing if you have to go out for essential business, and if you are sick, please not only quarantine yourself from the public, but also others that live in your home.
