Putnam County Health Department confirms fourth COVID-19 death

The Putnam County Health Department announced Thursday the fourth death of a Putnam County resident from COVID-19.

No further information about the individual will be released due to privacy laws.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 increased to 44, up two since Wednesday.

The 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 Indiana State Department of Health guidelines.

Other updates from local officials include:

• Some Putnam County offices are open for essential business on Friday.

Several county offices are open Friday for in-person contact. Reach out to the office before heading to the Courthouse. Social distancing will be in effect.

• Family and Support Services of West Central Indiana is offering free support for victims of violence and families with young children.

If you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, FSSWCI can help. Visit www.pchosp.org to learn more, and for a list of mental health resources.

• 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 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 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.