Since March, Indy Midtown Magazine has posted regular updates about local response to the public health emergency. This post archives all September 2020 updates. August updates, July updates, June updates. May updates. April updates. March updates.
September 14
In today’s Situation Report [PDF], the Marion County Health Department reports that as of 9/13/2020, the number of new daily hospital admissions and intensive care unit (ICU) admits with COVID-19 are decreasing. The 7-day average positivity rate of all COVID-19 tests sent to the Indiana Department of Health has remained fairly flat since mid-August (08/14/2020: 5.5%; 09/07/2020: 5.2%). For all COVID-19 positive cases with comorbidity data, the two most common comorbidities are hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Among cases with demographic information available, the most impacted subpopulations have been females (2,155 per 100,000 population), ages 80 and older (3,639 per 100,000 population), African American or Black/non-Hispanic (1,701 per 100,000 population), and Hispanic/Latinx (2,673 per 100,000 population). The subpopulations with the highest deaths per 100,000 population from COVID-19 have been males (92 per 100,000 population), ages 80 and older (1,271 per 100,000 population), and African American or Black/non-Hispanic (102 per 100,000 population).
September 9
In today’s Situation Report [PDF], the Marion County Health Department reports that emergency department (ED) visits with COVID-19-Like Illness (CLI) during Week 36 (August 30 – September 05) were slightly lower than the previous week – 1.3% of visits to Marion County ED had CLI (previous week: 1.5%). Those 0-4 years old and older had the highest age-specific percent CLI (2.62%). For all COVID-19 positive cases with comorbidity data, the two most common comorbidities are hypertension (all cases: 8%; hospitalized cases: 24%; ICU cases: 23%) and diabetes mellitus (all cases: 5%; hospitalized cases: 17%; ICU cases: 17%).
September 4
A stretch of Broad Ripple Avenue that was closed in May as part of a COVID-safe streets initiative will reopen beginning September 8. The Department of Public Works will also work with the Department of Neighborhood Services to assist restaurants and businesses to creatively expand their outdoor footprint while weather permits, including the utilization of the public right of way where feasible.
Street Closures Promote Social Distancing While Dining Outdoors
September 3
Citing a slowing of the pandemic’s spread during the past few weeks, Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) director Dr. Virginia Caine today announced a new public health order that relaxes some restrictions currently in place. [PDF]
Effective at midnight on September 8, bars and nightclubs may reopen with table service at a maximum of 25% indoor seating and 50% of outdoor seating. Table seating only, with a maximum of six people per table. Masks will be required when moving about the establishment, and while not eating or drinking. MCPHD will continue to issue $1,000 fines for violations of the Public Health Order in effect. Three violations can result in closure for a minimum of 30 days.
The countywide mask order established July 9 remains in effect as does the prohibition on dancing and live entertainment at nightclubs. Residents must wear face coverings in indoor public places and in outdoor public places where social distancing is not possible. Violations can be reported by calling 317-221-5500 during business hours or emailing healthdept@marionhealth.org.
