Around noon Saturday, the Indiana Department of Health announced a positive test for the novel coronavirus in Wells County.
That brings the state’s official total to 15, with three in northeast Indiana. The virus causes a serious respiratory illness, COVID-19, that has sickened thousands worldwide. It can be fatal. No Hoosier deaths have been reported.
While Allen County has not yet had a positive test for the virus, declared a global pandemic on March 11, Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deb McMahan said that local exposures are inevitable.
“Because people from many of our neighboring counties come here every day to work, attend events, shop and receive various medical care, it is inevitable we will become aware of additional exposures in our community as the virus spreads,” McMahan said in the release.
“We are working closely with ISDH and the surrounding local health departments to ensure any of our residents potentially exposed are informed and proper steps are taken.”
The first northeast Indiana case of the disease was announced early this week, in Noble County. Another was discovered in Adams County on Thursday.
But the pace and availability of testing for the virus remains an issue, according to a release from the Allen County Health Department issued late Saturday evening. Only 89 tests are being reported by the Indiana Department of Health.
“Testing for COVID-19 IS NOT currently available on demand or by request. Patients must currently meet ISDH’s criteria to be tested, and strict protocol must be followed to ensure no one else is exposed while a mucus specimen is collected from the individual,” the release said.
”Efforts to contain the spread of the virus locally, and within the state, have included the cancelling of all Allen County schools effective March 16, as well as a number of districts in other northeast Indiana counties and around the state."
On Thursday, Gov. Eric Holcomb banned all non-essential gatherings of more than 250 people. Many sports tournaments, entertainment events and other gatherings are now cancelled or closed.
