Indiana’s high obesity rate could increase the likelihood of serious complications from COVID-19. During state officials’ briefing Monday, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said she’s recommending that those with a high body mass index should be tested if they’re believed to have the disease.
“Even though we are a fat state – I think that we’re the 12th most obese state in the nation – not everyone will qualify for that higher BMI, but that goes hand-in-hand with the higher incidence of diabetes when you’re that heavy, and that really does put a lot of pressure on your chest with regards to breathing,” Box said. “So I think that’s what we have seen with individuals that have not done well, specifically, oftentimes, younger individuals.” Pregnant patients and those with underlying health conditions who are showing symptoms should also be tested.
Box said that testing capacity continues to increase. Over 3,500 Hoosiers were tested Sunday, and in the next few weeks, the state should be able to process more than 6,300 tests a day. But Box also reported that Indiana is testing fewer residents per capita than neighboring states, and the state apparently won’t be getting as many rapid testing machines as previously thought. “We were originally told we were going to get 15 point-of-care test machines from FEMA from Abbott, and recently got an email at the end of the week that said that would be five machines,” Box said. “So I don’t know when I’ll get those.”
Meanwhile, Box reported that there’s been a serious COVID-19 outbreak at a Madison County nursing home that’s killed 11 residents and sent three employees to the hospital, as of Monday. “This is a heartbreaking situation and illustrates what a brutal toll that COVID-19 can take on our most vulnerable populations,” she said. “Unfortunately, this will not be the last outbreak of this kind.”
Box urged long-term care facilities to follow the infection controls guidance and not let residents get together for meals or gatherings.
