Coronavirus Update – October 25, 2020

Daily new cases of COVID-19 are at record levels in Hancock County (25), the State of Indiana (2,800), the U.S. (80,000), and worldwide (490,000).  Yes, these are daily numbers.  Indiana hospital admissions for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are at their highest level since the pandemic began and some hospitals in the “hot spots” are worried about their ability to take in more patients.  Here at Hancock Health, we had grown used to having just one or two COVID patients per day but we have recently seen transient increases to five or six inpatients.

Back in March and April numbers like these drove our country and state to “hunker down” and shelter in place, but we are not seeing that now.  Why?  Please take a look at the attached opinion editorial that will be appearing in the Greenfield Daily Reporter this week to get a more in-depth look into the answer to that question.

Here at Hancock Health, our role in this new stage of the pandemic is to pay attention to the details.  We need to help each other combat our complacency by providing friendly reminders to wear our masks consistently, to wash our hands often, and to keep our distance.  We need to help individuals in our community remember how important these things are as well.  We should also help our family, friends, and neighbors remember that there is a lot more to good health than just avoiding COVID.  They should get their check-ups, screenings, and should pay attention to warning signs from their bodies that clinical intervention may be needed.

I am confident that we will conquer this new phase of COVID-19 just like we did the last one – together, every step of the way.  We will also increase the tempo of our communications moving forward so please keep your eyes out for more written, and video, updates.

All the Best

Steve