Community COVID-19 numbers continue slow increase

Cumulative COVID-19 numbers since the pandemic began in march continue to creep up.

However, the gains tend to be slow of late.

As of Thursday, the Indiana State Department of Health was reporting 509 cases, an increase of just four since Monday.

Additionally, there have been no new COVID-19 deaths locally since May 30, though anecdotal information suggests that may be about the change.

In the county’s public schools, cases also remain low, with Cloverdale now reporting a total of four students with COVID-19, along with two each at North Putnam and South Putnam schools.

There have been no cases thus far in Greencastle Schools.

DePauw University was reporting three active cases on campus as of midday Thursday.

Since students returned to campus, a total of 1,115 tests have been performed on campus, with 10 positives, 961 negative and 53 more deemed invalid.

Additionally, at Putnamville Correctional Facility, where an early-August outbreak contributed to a large increase in community numbers, there have been three new cases since the beginning of the week.

However, of the 200 cumulative cases at the prison, the Indiana Department of Correction is reporting that 191 offenders have recovered.

Meanwhile, nine remain in isolation as confirmed cases, while 37 others are in quarantine as having possibly been exposed.

Additionally, 28 Putnamville staff members have tested positive, with 17 having recovered.