Health Department confirms sixth local COVID-19 death

The Putnam County Health Department on Wednesday announced the sixth death of a Putnam County resident from COVID-19.

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

According to Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) data, the individual passed away on Saturday, May 16.

Currently, there have been 126 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases in Putnam County. According to the Putnam County Health Dept.’s analysis as of Wednesday:

• 75 people have recovered and are symptom-free.

• 43 people are recovering at home.

• Two people are currently hospitalized at out of county facilities.

• Six people have died.

The 126 confirmed cases also may include positive cases at Putnamville Correctional Facility. More information regarding COVID-19 at the prison is available at the end of this story.

To learn more, visit https://www.in.gov/idoc/3780.htm. This information also may be accessed via the Indiana State Department of Health or the Putnam County Health Department’s websites.

The Putnam Co. Health Department also is reporting, that, as of Wednesday:

• No cases have been reported at a long-term care facility in the county.

• OptumServe has tested 182 people at its Putnam County testing site since May 13.

Additional updates include:

• Free testing is available from May 21-23 in Clay County.

The Indiana State Department of Health will host free drive-through testing at Forest Park in Brazil from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. No appointment is needed, but bring a photo ID.

• Call the Putnam County Hospital’s COVID-19 hotline at 301-7019 if you think you have symptoms.

The hotline is staffed from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week. Hospital staff can direct callers to the nearest testing site, to keep potential COVID-19 patients from spreading the virus in health care offices.

• OptumServe is offering FREE COVID-19 tests in Putnam County.

OptumServe is testing high-risk Hoosiers showing symptoms of COVID-19 or in direct contact with someone who has the virus. Visit https://pchosp.org/testing-site-opens-may-13/ to learn who should be tested. Registration is required at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or (888) 634-1116.

Testing is available Monday through Friday through June 5. Note that with the increase in testing, it’s possible that the number of cases in the county will increase.

• You may hear from the State’s contractor for contact tracing if you have come into contact with an individual who tests positive at the OptumServe test site.

Expanded contact tracing is critical to stopping the spread of the virus into the community. Be alert for emails or text messages that come from a different area code and don’t ignore these messages.

• The US Census is hiring and holding a virtual job fair Thursday.

Hundreds of temporary jobs with the U.S. Census Bureau are currently open. Participate in this free virtual job fair and learn about the many available opportunities at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3050798827669304336.

• Some Putnam County offices will be open Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The schedule is at https://pchosp.org/government-offices/.

• Citizens have until Thursday to request an absentee ballot for the Primary Election.

Request an absentee ballot by calling Putnam County Voter Registration at 655-1538 or email voterregistration.putnam@airhop.com. You also can visit https://www.indianavoters.in.gov. To learn more about your options to vote, visit https://pchosp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/05-04-Primary-Election-Content-hea...

• Bring a mask from home when out in public and wear it. Practice social distancing, too.

Contact Putnam County’s Masked Mommas if you need a mask. Our dedicated community volunteers have made and distributed thousands of masks. Visit https://www.facebook.com/Putnam-County-Mask-Mommas-Sew-Serve-100134314992282/ for a mask.

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.

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.

34 Putnamville offenders positive for COVID-19

According to information provided by the Indiana Department of Correction, 34 offenders at Putnamville Correctional Facility have tested positive for COVID-19.

Of these, four have recovered, leaving 30 still fighting the coronavirus.

IDOC data also revealed that as of Wednesday morning, 21 offenders were in quarantine, with 30 others in isolation.

The 30 offenders fighting the disease were in isolation, separating them from other offenders who are not sick.

Another 21 offenders were in quarantine, as they had been exposed, or potentially exposed, to the contagious disease.

A total of 56 Putnamville offenders have been tested.

Additionally, a total of 70 Putnamville staff members have been tested for COVID-19.

Five have tested positive, one of whom has recovered.