COVID-19 outbreaks have hit four Indiana long-term care facilities. They’re located in Fulton, Howard, Allen, and Gibson counties, according to State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box.
“At least 27 cases have been identified at these four facilities since mid-June, and we’re unfortunately aware of at least seven deaths across the four facilities,” she said during a press conference Friday.
Box says the Howard County outbreak has already been traced back to the B.1.1.7 Alpha variant, and health officials are awaiting results for the other facilities. Most of those who got COVID were not fully vaccinated.
Box says the Indiana Department of Health is making sure the facilities are following the proper protocols, but it’s also educating residents and staff on the vaccine’s importance. “When we look at most of these infections, it comes in from the outside, right? It’s someone who either comes to visit, although that is extremely rare, or, more likely, a staff person that brings it in,” Box explains. “So we just want to work with them one-on-one to talk about what are their risk factors individually, and really, what is their obligation to the residents that they serve every day to help protect them.”
She says health officials are also looking to hold town-hall meetings to address any concerns from residents and staff who aren’t vaccinated.
