Local COVID-19 cases increase to 38

Putnam County officials announced Tuesday there are currently 38 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Putnam County.

The new figure marks the first increase in the local number for several days, up five from Monday. Officials believe the increase is likely due the closure of labs for the Easter holiday.

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 get a call is most likely not a direct contact during the infectious period, according to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) guidelines.

Other updates from local officials include:

• Mental health resources are available for county residents, including for those in situations involving domestic abuse.

Putnam County Hospital’s team is sharing resources to help the community navigate these challenging times. Visit www.pchosp.org to learn more.

• Cummins Behavioral Health Systems is open and accepting new patients.

Virtual intakes, individual and family sessions, an IOT substance abuse group and Lasting Recovery group are among the services offered.

Call 888-714-1927 to schedule a virtual intake appointment.

• Tips for running essential errands.

Essential errands, like grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions are still a necessity while we stay-at-home. The CDC has some helpful tips on ways to stay safe – including washing your hands after unpacking groceries – to protect yourself from COVID-19.

To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.htm...

• 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.

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.