Putnam County up to 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19

In their daily update on the local effects of the COVID-19 pandemic Wednesday afternoon, Putnam County officials confirmed there have been 27 positive cases of the virus in Putnam County.

This is an increase of two over the total reported on both Monday and Tuesday.

The Putnam County Health Department is also maintaining regular contact with people who have confirmed cases of COVID-19.

This includes checking in with patients who are self-isolating to make sure they are staying home.

Additional updates include:

• Mental health resources 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.

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: 164 tests now administered in Putnam County

In its latest update on Wednesday morning, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) reported 2,106 more COVID-19 tests had been administered to Hoosier over results available on Tuesday.

In Putnam County, 164 tests have now been issued, 15 more than when the same report was released Tuesday.

According to the ISDH, the number of tests is provisional and reflects only those reported to ISDH. Numbers should not be characterized as a comprehensive total.

On the statewide level, ISDH revealed taht 439 more Hoosiers had tested positive for COVID-19, while 30 more had died, bringing the total death toll to 203.

Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 30,869 tests have been reported to ISDH.

In surrounding counties, Hendricks County now has 243 positive cases and six deaths, followed by 82 cases and one death in Morgan County.

Montgomery and Owen each have 17 cases, with 11 in Clay and five in Parke.