IU Health specialist: ‘We have an epidemiological situation that is worsening’
IBJ talked to Dr. Cole Beeler, an infectious disease specialist at Indiana University Health, about vaccines, the CDC’s mask recommendation and more.
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Biden to launch vaccine push for millions of federal workers
Hoping to set a model for employers nationwide, President Joe Biden will announce Thursday that millions of federal workers must show proof they’ve received a coronavirus vaccine or submit to regular testing and stringent social distancing, masking and travel restrictions.
Google delays return to office, mandates vaccines
Various government agencies already have announced demands for all their employees to be vaccinated, but the corporate world so far has been taking a more measured approach, even though most lawyers believe the mandates are legal.
State COVID-19 cases continue resurgence, plus 12 more deaths
The Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday reported that 1,248 Hoosiers had been diagnosed with COVID-19, the highest number of daily new infections since 1,438 cases were reported on April 29.
In a turnaround, Ascension St. Vincent to require employees to get vaccinated
Ascension’s decision to require vaccinations follows similar mandates by all three other major health systems here.
UPDATE: CDC reverses course on indoor masks in some parts of U.S.
Citing new information about the ability of the delta variant to spread among vaccinated people, the CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
State’s daily COVID cases surge to 1,085, with 15 more deaths
As most COVID stats continued to trend higher, hospitalizations rose to 735 on Monday—the highest level since May 28, when 746 people were hospitalized in Indiana due to the virus.
‘A tipping point’: Government officials, health groups move to require coronavirus vaccines for workers
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday it would mandate coronavirus vaccines for its front-line workers, signaling what some experts believe could be a national pivot to such requirements.
COVID hospitalizations in Indiana continue to climb
The Indiana State Department of Health on Monday said statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have risen to their highest level in nearly two months.
Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations reach seven-week high
The state said more than 2.91 million Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 after an increase of 4,766.
Poll: Most unvaccinated Americans don’t want the shots
What’s more, 64% of unvaccinated Americans have little to no confidence the shots are effective against variants—including the delta variant that officials say is responsible for 83% of new cases in the U.S.—despite evidence that they offer strong protection.
New IU president Whitten tests positive for COVID
Pamela Whitten, who took over as Indiana University president July 1, said she began experiencing “mild cold symptoms” Thursday morning before being tested.
Franciscan Health to require employee vaccinations or immunity tests
Franciscan joins two other large hospital systems in central Indiana—Indiana University Health and Community Health Network—in laying down the new health requirement.
Indiana COVID-19 cases climb to nine-week high
The health department reported one more death from COVID-19, raising the cumulative total to 13,535. The state said it has averaged one new death per day from COVID over the past seven days.
Vaccinated staff, students can go mask-free when school starts, IPS says
Indianapolis Public Schools students and staff who are vaccinated do not have to wear masks in classrooms when school starts, according to new district guidance. Unvaccinated students will be required to wear masks at school, and the district recommends that staff continue to wear masks around unvaccinated students, especially children under 12 who are currently […]
Rare ‘breakthrough’ COVID cases causing alarm, confusion
Health authorities have warned that even though the COVID-19 vaccines are incredibly effective—the Pfizer and Moderna ones about 95% against symptomatic infection in studies—they’re not perfect. No vaccine is.
Indiana expected to get $507 million from opioid settlement
Local governments currently litigating, such as Indianapolis, were provided the ability to opt out of the state’s opioid plan. Those local governments have the opportunity to opt back in within 60 days of opting out, according to the attorney general’s office.
Appeals court again affirms on rehearing in ex-Anthem exec’s suit
Members of the Indiana Court of Appeals haven’t changed their minds in a case involving a fired Anthem executive’s failed appeal of a jury verdict for the insurance company,
CDC probes deaths in immunized patients in nursing homes
The CDC conducted its investigation of delta variant outbreaks in elder care facilities in Colorado, but that state isn’t alone in seeing nursing home outbreaks as large shares of staff remain unvaccinated. Indiana has its own troubling incident.
Indiana COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations continue to rise
The state said more than 2.9 million Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 after a daily increase of 5,833. More than 2.87 million have received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination.