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More Hoosiers getting COVID-19 testing

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana exceeded 25,000 positive COVID-19 cases Tuesday.

Health officials confirmed 566 new cases and 33 more deaths from a day earlier. The statewide death toll stood at 1,444 on Tuesday. Health officials say more than 150,000 tests have been administered, an increase since March.

There are good reasons Michelle Parker got her grandchildren tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday: “Well, to make sure they’re not a carrier or anything like that. Just to be on the safe side.”

“To see if I’m negative,” Omarion Hart, Parker’s grandson, said. “I don’t want to be positive.”

“I just hope I come back negative,” Ta’Leayha Hart, Parker’s grandchild, added.

Tuesday was the first day of Kroger Health’s free drive-thru COVID-19 test site at Ernie Pyle School 90, 3351 W. 18th St. The testing is a partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools and the Marion County Health Department. Kroger says it expects to test as many as 330 people per day; test results are expected within 72 hours.

State data shows more than 150 COVID testing sites statewide. The sites include dozens in Central Indiana.

On Tuesday, a Marion County Health Department spokesperson told News 8 it’s pleased with COVID-19 testing turnout at Eastern Star Church and the State Fairgrounds. They hope to announce another test site soon.

Indiana’s State Department of Health’s website has coronavirus testing information. To register for testing at an ISDH/Optum Site click here or call 888-634-1116.