Marion County COVID restrictions to remain in place
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Current coronavirus restrictions will remain in place in Marion County for at least a couple more weeks.
That’s the Tuesday morning update provided by the Marion County Public Health Department. Dr. Virginia Caine, the department director, said that the daily number of new positive cases is down, positivity is down, and the daily tally of deaths is also down. She also says nearly half of all new cases are happening in people from age 20-39.
However, the number of people vaccinated has still not risen to a place where she would like it to be. Caine said there are positive signs that coronavirus mitigation strategies are working but she wants to see more. Caine says 39% of all Marion County residents are vaccinated. She wants that number to be 50%.
The state’s vaccination dashboard on Tuesday said 47.5% of Marion County residents 12 and older are fully vaccinated. Only people 12 and older can get coronavirus vaccines currently.
“Today, our positivity rate is well under 5%. Our daily new cases are hovering right around that 35 number,” Caine told News 8. “Ultimately, the decision to reopen is not about whether we surpass one particular metric, but weather the level of protection from the virus in our community, can prevent significant spread and outbreaks.”
Yet, when will Indianapolis and Marion County fully reopen?
Caine, “What can you do to ensure Indy reopens soon? Get vaccinated. Get your friends and family vaccinated. Share your history of vaccination with someone who is unsure.”
Laura Shearer, who owns Antiques On the Corner on the Indianapolis east side, said she wants the mayor and other city officials to lift coronavirus restrictions now. “I think this has gone on way too long. COVID deaths are down; people are getting vaccinated. People are taking precautions, washing their hands. That’s what I think. It needs to get back to normal.”
No decisions have yet been made on capacity limits for Indianapolis Colts games or the Brickyard 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Marion County Public Health Department has a list of upcoming pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics.