The COVID metrics for Fishers are better this week compared to the previous period, but the Fishers Health Department is not optimistic about what is in store during January.
The 13.85 percent positivity rate and case incidence rate of 92.5 are improvements, but the community coronavirus transmission rate remains in the red, or highest category.
Fishers Public Health Director Monica Heltz says she does not expect these metrics to remain positive. Five new deaths have been reported due to COVID in the past week.
Heltz
“Although we have appeared to have leveled off for right now, I do anticipate that that is more a result of kind of erratic activities around the holiday season more than it is around a true decrease,” Heltz said in her weekly video update posted Tuesday evening. “We are very anxiously anticipating further increases into January.”
COVID testing availability at the two Fishers sites is described as good, with appointments available the same day or the following day. Results are available on an average within 2.6 days.
ICU beds in our area are at 20.7 percent availability. Trends are better this week compared to the previous week, perhaps tied to the holidays, but remain at a high capacity.
“Our healthcare system capacity remains stretched,” Heltz said.
Hamilton County residents are the second most mobile in the state, behind only the Fort Wayne area in Allen County. That is not a good thing, because it measures the number of neighborhood and family events drawing people together, increasing the chances of COVID spreading.
There is great concern at the Health Department about long-term care facilities.
“We have seen COVID go through quite a few of our long-term care facilities and nursing homes again, and it has been disastrous for them, both in staffing and resident outcomes,” Heltz said. FHD is providing assistance to those locations as needed.
Vaccine guidance is expected next week from the state. It will include steps on who will be next in receiving the vaccinations.
You can view the entire video from Monica Heltz at this link.
Why do we as bar owners and restaurant owners continue to adhere to those in authority who are against our constitutional rights? It’s time to step up business owners and stay open past 10pm, business owner have the right to make patrons wear mask, or make it the patrons choice.
Why are we allowing those in governing authorities to take our rights away when this virus kills less than 1% of those
who contract it?! It’s time to stand for our constitutional rights.
Agreed! Sounds like business owners should join in locally with the parents wanting their children back in school. We are all in this together and have like minds!
Chris from above! I will give you my business if I know where to find you! Stand up!