COVID testing numbers level off after Thursday spike
Following a surge of 43 new cases when COVID-19 statistics were reported on Thursday, Putnam County has added 13 new cases in the days since.
The sudden spike was largely attributed to a recent outbreak at Putnamville Correctional Facility.
The prison, which over the course of several days had jumped from 35 cases to 87, added six new cases in its Friday reporting, bringing its total to 93. As of Monday, no new cases had been added at the prison since Friday.
The county now stands at 290 total cases.
Indiana Department of Correction Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kristen Dauss told the Banner Graphic on Thursday that IDOC officials have taken steps to slow the spread of coronavirus at the prison, including isolating offenders who may be sick, quarantining those who may have been exposed and taking extra cleaning and hygienic precautions.
As of midday Monday, Putnamville had 166 offenders in isolation, 423 more in quarantine and 36 who have already recovered from the illness.
The prison has issued 399 tests to offenders.
Outside the prison, numbers appear to be increasing only incrementally in Putnam County, with seven new cases added on Thursday, followed by one or two on each day from Friday to Sunday.
A total of 4,106 individuals had been tested in Putnam County as of midnight Sunday.
While there had not been a COVID-19 testing site available in the county in recent weeks, Putnam County Hospital added a curbside testing option on Monday.
The testing is available by appointment only, which can be made by calling the PCH COVID-19 hotline at 301-7019.
Those who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing are encouraged to call their healthcare providers.