Friday Update: Local COVID-19 cases increase to 56

Putnam County officials announced Friday that there have been 56 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county.

Two additional cases have been diagnosed since Thursday’s report.

Effective today, Putnam County press releases and updates will move to Monday, Wednesday and Friday, rather than every day.

As circumstances change, community notifications may be adjusted.

Additional updates include:

• Virtual religious services are available in Putnam County.

A number of Putnam County religious organizations are offering virtual religious services. Here’s a link for more information: https://pchosp.org/virtual-religious-services/.

• Wear a mask in public when performing essential duties.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Remember to always socially distance when performing these functions.

Here’s more from the CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/preventgetting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html/

• 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-Serve100134314992282/ to connect with them.

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.

• 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.

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.