Indiana reports 439 new cases and 30 more deaths related to COVID-19

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Indiana reported 439 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the state's total confirmed infections to 5,943.

The Indiana State Health Department said 30 more deaths have been attributed to the coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in Indiana to 203.

Thus far, 30,869 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 28,764 on Tuesday.

Marion County has the most new cases with 151, followed by Lake County with 43 new cases.

Indiana has confirmed COVID-19 cases in 12 nursing homes and other group sites. At least 11 residents of the Bethany Pointe long-term care facility in Madison County have died of COVID-19 complications, according to state officials.

The 31 deaths in long-term facilities account for 15 percent of all Indiana deaths from the illness, said Dr. Kristina Box, Indiana’s health commissioner.

State “strike teams” have fanned out to 200 facilities in the state and tested nearly 600 people there, she said.

Box said she will issue an order requiring directors of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities such as group homes, jails and prisons to report suspected or known cases of COVID-19 to the state and local health departments within 24 hours.

The order includes employees who test positive for the illness, as well as people who die from COVID-19 or a suspected case, she said.

Indiana previously urged nursing homes to restrict visitors, cease communal dining and activities and all people entering should be screened for symptoms.

But as the pandemic has spread, health officials now believe COIVD-19 is being spread by carriers who don’t show symptoms, said Dr. Dan Rusyniak, chief medical officer for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

“This disease creates the potential for a perfect storm in a long-term care facility: Large groups of vulnerable people living together and a highly transmissible virus that may not cause symptoms in those who care for them,” he said.

For a complete breakdown of cases by county, CLICK HERE.