County now with 79 total COVID-19 diagnoses

Thursday, May 7, 2020

With no new cases reported locally on Thursday, the official number of COVID-19 diagnoses in Putnam County actually fell.

Two cases that had previously been reported as Putnam County cases, had been incorrectly attributed, bringing the number down from the 81 cases reported by both state and local officials on Wednesday.

However, The Putnam County Health Department did anounce Wednesday the fifth death of a Putnam County resident from COVID-19, confirming a Tuesday report from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).

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

However, the Putnam County Hospital also reported this week it had not had an inpateint with COVID-19 for 16 days.

This included current patients, as well as individuals who have been tested by the hospital and are recovering at home.

What remains unclear is exactly how many patients have recovered from the illness as compared to those still infected.

More than two weeks ago, the Putnam County Health Department released a summary of cases as of April 21 that showed, at that time, 27 individuals who had tested positive and later recovered.

Additionally, the numbers indicated four deaths, 18 individuals in isolation recovering at home and two individuals in area hospital.

While the number of individuals who have recovered has undoubtedly risen, no exact numbers have been provided by the Health Department since.

To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19, even as certain restrictions are lifted, health officials are still recommending bringing a mask from home when out in public and wear it. They also encourage continued social distancing.

Anyone who needs a mask is still encouraged to contact Putnam County’s Masked Mommas. These community volunteers have made and distributed thousands of masks. Visit https://www.facebook.com/Putnam-County-Mask-Mommas-Sew-Serve-100134314992282/ for a mask.

Officials also emphasize that it is imperative individuals take action to avoid COVID-19 to prevent its spread.A number of preventive steps include:

• 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 afterwards.

• 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 Dept. of Health. The updates can be accessed via www.coronavirus.in.gov.

To learn more about Putnam County’s coordinated response to COVID-19, please visit the Putnam County Hospital at www.pchosp.org/covid-19-updates or the Putnam County Health Department at www.putnamhealthindiana.org.

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