THURSDAY'S COVID-19 UPDATE: Clay death total rises with revised accounting

Thursday, February 4, 2021

While the COVID-19 data from the Indiana State Department of Health shows Clay County is in the ORANGE category, some new data provided appears startling.

The ISHD website provided a disclaimer Thursday, February 4, citing that the total deaths reported includes 1,507 historical deaths identified through an audit of 2020 and 2021 COVID death records and test results.

Clay County went from 32 deaths reported Monday to 42 Thursday. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the ISDH has the following reported deaths:

April 2020 - 1

June 2020 - 3

July 2020 - 1

September 2020 - 1

October 2020 - 5

November 2020 - 17

December 2020 - 10

January 2021 - 4

Deaths reported from COVID-19 in Clay County have affected 40.5% females and 59.5% males. Most deaths have occurred among people 80 years and older, with 19% of 70-79, 11.9% 60-69, and 2.4% of age 50-59.

Volunteers needed

As more COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Clay County, there is a need for more certified volunteers to operate the clinic.

Volunteers with certified medical experience such as doctors, nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians, and paramedics are needed.

“We especially need EMTs,” said Clay County Health Department’s Emergency Planning Coordinator Tom Champion earlier this month. “People interested in volunteering can contact the Clay County Health Department. If we get enough volunteers, no one will have to become overworked during this process.”

Contact the Clay County Health Department at (812) 448-9021 to learn more about volunteering.

The local vaccination clinic is by appointment only — scheduled through the ISHD website at vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov — open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the Clay County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Hoosiers eligible for the free COVID-19 vaccine are age 65 or older, work or volunteer in healthcare, have exposure to COVID-19 infectious materials, or are a first responder.

Officials urge people to please be patient, as vaccine supply is limited. Additional groups will be eligible as soon as vaccine supplies permit.

Log onto https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/index.htm to learn more.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 continues

The vaccine will be in limited supply at first and won’t be widely available until next year.

Until there is enough vaccine for everyone, health officials say it’s crucial to continue to take these steps now to prevent further spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others

• Stay at least 6 feet apart (about two arm lengths)

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer

• Isolate yourself if you’re sick and stay home if exposed to someone with COVID-19

• Clean frequently touched surfaces often

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