Editor’s note: The following COVID-19 update is brought to you through a collaboration of healthcare partners including the Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, Delaware County Office of Information, and other major healthcare providers.
Cases and Deaths
Last week (Aug. 14–21), Delaware County reported 81 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 2 new deaths, bringing Delaware County’s total numbers to 862 positive cases and 53 deaths since March 2020.
While deaths went up (compared with 0 deaths the week prior), the county’s positive testing rate went down from 8.2% the previous week to 6.2% this past week. But even still, Delaware County remains among the Indiana counties with a high positive testing rate; the CDC suggests that this number should be well under 5%. For more information on the county’s case numbers, visit dcema.com.
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital confirmed that, as of Aug. 20, it is treating 12 patients with COVID-19, one of whom is on a ventilator. Six of the 12 hospital cases are Delaware County residents.
Schools
With schools across the county now reopening for the 2020–21 school year, including Ball State University, local health officials urge the importance of following health guidelines.
“Now that schools have opened, all need to continue to be vigilant about wearing masks and social distancing so that our students are able to continue with in-classroom learning. Ball State students should avoid large gatherings and parties where social distancing can’t occur,” said Dr. Donna Wilkins, Delaware County health officer.
Several schools across the county have already reported positive cases, including Muncie Community Schools, Yorktown Community Schools, Delta High School, Burris Laboratory School, Daleville Community Schools, and more. According to Ball State’s COVID-19 dashboard, 18 students and one faculty member have already tested positive for the virus.
The university is being aggressive in its tactics to prevent the spread of the disease, asking students to “do your part.”
Last week, Ball State received more than 2 million disinfectant wipes, which will be used to clean desks between classes for one semester, as well as 200,000 disposable masks. The masks come in addition to the two reusable masks already given to each student.
Staying Safe from COVID-19
To keep yourself safe from COVID-19 and to reduce the spread of the disease, wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, wear a mask when inside public spaces or when in crowded areas, and practice social distancing.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who tested positive, schedule an appointment to get tested as soon as possible. Self-quarantine until you have received negative test results. A list of testing locations can be found on the Delaware County Indiana Coronavirus hub.
Events with more than 250 attendees are required by the state government to be approved by the local health department. If you plan to host an event that may exceed 250 attendees, please contact the Delaware County Health Department at 765-747-7721.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People who have COVID-19 may exhibit any range of these symptoms, and some may even show no symptoms at all. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after being exposed to the virus. Some symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Anyone with these symptoms should stay home as much as possible and limit their exposure to others. Children who have any of the above symptoms should be kept home from school.
What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?
If you have any of the above symptoms or have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you should immediately begin to self-quarantine to prevent spreading the disease to others. You should also call a local health clinic to arrange to be tested. Follow your doctor’s orders, and continue to self-quarantine until you receive negative test results.
Children who exhibit any of the above symptoms should NOT be sent to school. If your child shows any of the listed symptoms, keep the child home in quarantine and contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Where can I get tested?
Several local health clinics offer COVID-19 tests, including Meridian Health Services, Open Door Health Services, and more. For a complete list of testing locations in Delaware County, visit the Delaware County Indiana Coronavirus Hub.
Be advised that some locations may test only those who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. In coordination with the Delaware County Health Department, Open Door is in the process of planning community testing at its Madison Street location in Muncie, which will be available to both symptomatic and asymptomatic community members.
Open Door is also exploring on-site testing at partner organizations throughout the community. Email info@opendoorhs.org for more information.
