25 new COVID-19 cases reported over three days

On Monday, August 17, the Clay County Health Department confirms there is a cumulative total of 175 positive COVID-19 cases, with 70 new individuals tested during the previous 48 hours, with six positive results during that time. A total of 25 new positive cases were identified over the weekend.

On Friday, the cumulative total was 150, and the preliminary Positivity Rate was 5.1 percent. That rate rose Monday to 5.8 percent, with a 7-Day Positivity Rate of 13.6 percent.

Over the weekend, officials were notified at the Clay Community School Corporation that a student at Meridian Elementary was confirmed positive for COVID-19. Administrative officials and health officials confirm the contact tracing was implemented, and families were notified

“Unfortunately, this is going to happen in our schools. It is happening in our business community and other school corporations,” said Superintendent Jeff Fritz Monday afternoon. “We are following our protocols and the guidance from our local health officials, and doing our best to make sure everyone is safe in our facilities. It is important, for our students’ sake, to remain calm and understand that people are anxious about the unknown. Regrettably, this is something we have a deal with at present, and we will continue to do what’s best for our school we all with have to live with.”

It’s logical as more laboratories do more COVID-19 testing that means the number of positive test results will climb higher. However, as normalcy returns and communities open up, the health guidelines of wearing face masks, maintaining proper handwashing, and social distancing don’t seem too important for some.

“Community spread” means people have been infected with the virus, and some are not sure how or where they became infected.

As states around the country see surges of COVID-19 cases, with nationwide cases at a peak level, health officials say the virus is rapidly spreading.

“A date doesn’t drive us, but the data does. This virus is on the prowl,” Holcomb has said repeatedly. “That spread is not slowing down. Even states that have reopened recently, they are going back.”

Holcomb recommends mask-wearing “in the strongest terms possible” and said, “it’s about getting through this in the safest way. I believe in Hoosiers doing the right thing. That’s one aspect where we have acted appropriately.”

However, Gov. Holcomb responded to the idea that COVID-19 will magically disappear after the upcoming November Election.

“I’m not your bookie, but don’t bet on it,” said the governor with humor, who admitted since COVID-19 started officials have learned each day begins with three possible scenarios. “One, it will stay the same; one, it will get worse; or one, it will get better. We are trying to do everything we can 24/7 to realize the third.”

Holcomb said that it requires everyone to do their part to stop the spread of the COVID-19.

“There shouldn’t be an ‘I’ll just punt my responsibility because it will all be over on any given day that you hope will occur. That is not a good strategy for good health or success.“

FREE TESTING SITES

The Indiana State Department of Health provides for free COVID-19 testing. Log onto coronavirus.in.gov and click on COVID-19 Testing Information. An interactive state-wide map is available to search for testing sites, and schedule an appointment for a testing site near you.

The closest testing site to Clay County residents is in Vigo County, including:

DRIVE THRU TESTING SITE: CVS Pharmacy, 670 Margaret Ave., TH. Schedule appointments via the state website listed above. Because of limited supplies and following CDC guidelines, testing is limited to certain patients. Visit cvs.com to see if you qualify.

ISDH/OPTUM TEST SITE, 501 East Saint Anthony Drive, TH. Appointments can be scheduled online to save time, but walk-ins are welcome.

UNION HOSPITAL and UNION MEDICAL GROUP, 221 South 6th Street, TH. Appointments can be scheduled online to save time, but walk-ins are welcome.