Local officials confirm 84 COVID-19 cases

Putnam County officials on Friday announced there have been 84 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Putnam County.

This marked an increase of five since Thursday.

The Putnam County Health Department reported that as of Thursday, May 7, 52 people have recovered from the virus.

Additional updates include:

• Virtual religious services continue to remain available in Putnam County.

Here’s a link for how you can participate: https://pchosp.org/virtual-religious-services/

• Spring property tax installment is due May 11.

Putnam County Treasurer Kathy Minnick is sharing how you can pay your spring property tax installment. Visit https://www.bannergraphic.com/story/2683060.html for more information.

• Bring a mask from home when out in public and wear it. Practice social distancing, too.

Contact Putnam County’s Masked Mommas if you need a mask. These dedicated community volunteers have made and distributed thousands of masks. Visit https://www.facebook.com/Putnam-County-Mask-Mommas-Sew-Serve-100134314992282/ for a mask.

• National Nurses Week and Teacher Appreciation Week.

Nurses and teachers have been on the frontlines supporting our communities during this pandemic. Please recognize or thank the nurses and teachers in your life during their national appreciation weeks.

It is imperative individuals take action to avoid COVID-19 to prevent its spread. A number of preventive steps include:

• 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 percent 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 afterwards.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Wear face coverings in public when performing essential duties.

• 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 Indiana State Department of Health. The updates can be accessed via www.coronavirus.in.gov.

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.