Second COVID-19 death reported in Putnam County
PCHD continues to investigate all positive cases and notify direct contacts
The Putnam County Health Department on Thursday confirmed the second death of a Putnam County resident from COVID-19.
The individual was over the age of 60 and died on Wednesday, April 8. No further information about the individual will be released due to privacy laws.
County authorities also announced there have been 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases, an increase of three since Wednesday.
The Putnam County Health Department is continuing to investigate all confirmed cases of COVID-19 and notifying individuals who have been in direct contact with the patient.
Anyone who does not receive a call is likely not a direct contact during the infectious period, according to Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) guidelines.
The process also includes checking in with patients who are self-isolating to make sure they are staying home.
Additional updates include:
• Virtual religious services are available in Putnam County.
During this important week for many in the faith-based community, a number of Putnam County religious organizations are offering virtual religious services. To learn more, click here.
• Stay at home if you can, and practice social distancing.
With state and federal leaders forecasting a surge of COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks, please continue to stay at home when possible and practice social distancing. To learn more, visit https://coronavirus.in.gov.
• Mental health resources are available for county residents.
Putnam County Hospital’s team is sharing resources to help the community navigate these challenging times. Visit www.pchosp.org to learn more.
• Putnam County Hospital thanks the community for its overwhelming support.
“In recent days, our team at the hospital has been the recipient of community support that is both uplifting and sustaining,” said CEO Dennis Weatherford. “From small businesses who are donating their time and services to individual citizens who are sending cards, we are so grateful for these generous deeds.”
• Some Putnam County offices are open for essential business on Thursday.
The following offices are open for essential business on Thursday, April 9, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Assessor’s Office, Plat Office, Auditor’s Office, Recorder’s Office and Treasurer’s Office. The courthouse will be closed on April 10 for Good Friday.
The Putnam County Courthouse remains open, but only citizens who are performing essential business, such as court-related matters, are allowed past the first floor. The prosecutor and courts are staffed in some capacity throughout the day. The Clerk’s Office is open every day from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. by appointment only. While some offices may or may not have a “physical” presence, a representative is continuing to serve the public.
• City of Greencastle offices are closed on April 10 for Good Friday.
Local officials are also encouraging preventive steps, including:
• 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 at least 60% alcohol.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are showing symptoms of illness.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Cover your cough or sneezes with a tissue or sneeze into your elbow.
• Throw the tissue in the garbage and make sure to clean your hands afterward.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• We are all in this together.
Putnam County is providing regular updates on COVID-19 to citizens as part of its effort to complement the daily updates from the ISDH.
The ISDH updates occur at 10 a.m. and can be accessed via www.coronavirus.in.gov. According to the ISDH, the number of tests it lists is provisional and reflects only those reported to ISDH. Numbers should not be characterized as a comprehensive total.
To learn more about Putnam County’s coordinated response to COVID-19, visit the Putnam County Hospital at www.pchosp.org/covid-19-updates or the Putnam County Health Department at www.putnamhealthindiana.org.
ISDH: 42 new deaths statewide
The ISDH morning report added 42 victims to the death toll statewide, bringing the statewide total to 245.
Likewise, 430 new positive cases were reported, bringing the total to 6,351 Hoosiers who have tested positive to the novel coronavirus.
The state also reported that the number of tests administered to Hoosiers is now up to 32,133.