*Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention*

The Case Count Will Update With IDH Updates. Last Update Was June 18 at 11:50 a.m.

The Indiana Department of Health added 218 COVID-19 cases to the state's total Friday, raising it to 750,702. The cases were confirmed June 17. It also added two confirmed COVID-19 deaths, raising the state's total to 13,346. The death occurred June 15-17.

As of Friday, more than 2.75 million individuals have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 2.72 million have been fully vaccinated.

The results of more than 10.7 million COVID-19 tests for more than 3.55 million unique individuals have been reported to the IDH to date. The state's 7-day positivity rate among unique individuals (as of June 11) is 6.3 percent, with a cumulative positivity rate among unique individuals at 21.1 percent.

Central Indiana Weekly Cases Per 100,000 Residents

as of June 14

Boone County	26
Hamilton County	29
Hancock County	24
Hendricks County	25
Johnson County	36
Madison County	23
Marion County	36
Morgan County	18
Shelby County	26

Find Indiana COVID-19 Testing Sites

Find a COVID-19 Vaccination Site and Register

COVID-19 Vaccinations

All Hoosiers 12 and older are now elegible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The Indiana Department of Health expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to 12- to 15-year-olds on May 13, following a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vaccination appointments can be scheduled by visiting OurShot.IN.gov, or calling 211. Assistance with scheduling an appointment is also available through one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging.

The IDH is encouraging Hoosiers who cannot find an appointment at the nearest location to look at other sites in neighboring counties. It said appointments are being added regularly as vaccine supplies permit.

The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines in Indiana were offered to frontline health care workers across the state as well as long-term care facility residents and staff.

The vaccines became available to the general public on Jan. 8 when registration for COVID-19 vaccination appointments opened for Hoosiers age 80 and older. About 21,000 registered in the first 90 minutes. The rush triggered technical issues and slowdowns. By the end of business that first day 53,000 people 80 and older had registered for the free vaccine.

Health officials encourage anyone with symptoms to call the IDH Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125 (or 317-233-1325 after hours) or e-mail epiresource@isdh.in.gov. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

The Indiana Department of Health provides daily updates on its COVID-19 online dashboard.

A map of Indiana's COVID-19 vaccination sites is available here. To register for an appointment, click the location on the map and then the "click here to register" link.

{C}{C}{C}Your browser does not support the <code>iframe</code> HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later.

This is an evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.

LEE MAS: QU NECESITA SABER ACERCA DEL CORONAVIRUS? TENEMOS RESPUESTAS.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Have Questions?

News Coverage

June 2021

June 15, 2021

Grants Available for Artist Restart Program, Mental Health Services

Applications for Keep Indy Creating grants are open through Aug. 22. Among the opportunities are Artist Restart Grants intended to help artists restart their careers, and grants to address mental health and wellness.

June 15, 2021

IPS Asks Families How To Spend Millions In Federal Funding

Indianapolis Public Schools is asking for input on how it will spend some of its more than $200 million in federal funding to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in schools.

June 15, 2021

Indianapolis's Rental Assistance Program Still Going Strong

To date nearly 20,000 households impacted financially by COVID-19 have had their rent paid by the city.

June 14, 2021

Indiana Rushes To Spend Virus Relief Aid On New Jobs Program

In an example of how states are casting for ways to spend the federal influx, Indiana's budget negotiators wrote in $75 million for the Career Accelerator Program -- nearly triple the $27 million going to a 2 percent increase for the state's higher education system.

June 13, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana Exceeds Tax Collection Expectations, To End OptumServe Testing Sites

The Indiana Department of Health reported 57 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 13,324 confirmed deaths.

June 10, 2021

Indiana Closing OptumServe COVID-19 Testing Sites After June, Citing Low Demand

Indiana is closing its OptumServe COVID-19 testing sites at the end of June. The sites, set up early in the pandemic, have provided more than 541,000 free tests since May of last year.

June 8, 2021

Advocacy Group Urges Targeted Financial Aid From Congress, Cites Uneven Hotel Recovery

The recent increase in travel is welcome news for the industry, but many worry whether business travel will return when vacations wind down after Labor Day.

June 8, 2021

Health Officials Worry About Low Vaccination Rates

Public health experts say it is unlikely Indiana will reach a 70 percent vaccination rate by July 4 with just weeks until the deadline.

June 7, 2021

City-County Council Ratifies Orders To End Mask Mandates For Some

The council passed a proposal to ratify public health orders, including increased capacity for businesses -- many places to 75 percent.

June 7, 2021

COVID Disparity Grants Announced For Community Groups

Community organizations addressing COVID-19 response and recovery in Indianapolis will receive grants from a program investing $1 million to address health disparities.

June 7, 2021

Indiana Sees 11% Drop In Preschoolers With Disabilities During Pandemic

The number of Indiana students enrolled in programs for disabilities declined this school year, the first dip in at least four years and the latest sign of the disruption caused by the pandemic. About 14,000 preschoolers had diagnosed disabilities, down more than 11%.

June 6, 2021

Coronavirus: Schools Get Learning Loss Funds, IU Rolls Back Vaccine Requirement Proof

The Indiana Department of Health reported 69 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 13,267 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 3,200 new cases in the last week the fewest reported in a single week since July 2020.

June 3, 2021

Indiana University Offering Prizes For Vaccine Documentation

IU's incentive program will have at least two student winners and one employee winner selected for three weeks beginning June 10 at each of its campuses across the state.

June 2, 2021

Marion County Prepared To Relax Restrictions And Increase Vaccinations

So far, about a third of Marion County residents are vaccinated, but city officials want to have half of the county with shots by July 4.

June 2, 2021

DOC Continues To Offer COVID-19 Vaccines In State Facilities

While Indiana lags behind many other states in the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations, incarcerated Hoosiers are accepting the vaccine at a higher rate than the general population.

June 2, 2021

IU Health Requiring COVID-19 Vaccinations For All Employees

Indiana University Health will require all its doctors, nurses and other employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 1.

June 1, 2021

IU Amends Vaccine Requirement, Will No Longer Mandate Proof Of COVID-19 Vaccine

This policy change comes after several GOP legislators and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita argued state law does not allow the university to make such a requirement.

June 1, 2021

Federal Courthouse Mask, Distancing Policies Updated

Fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to enter public areas of the four courthouses of the federal Southern District of Indiana without wearing a face covering or observing social distancing.

June 1, 2021

Multilingual Vaccination Hotline Announced For Marion County

A new COVID-19 vaccine registration hotline is intended to help increase vaccinations amongst all Marion County residents.

May 30, 2021

Coronavirus: GOP Opposition To IU Mandate Grows, Holcomb Sets End To Public Emergency

The Indiana Department of Health reported 67 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 13,203 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 3,500 new cases in the last week -- the fewest reported in a single week since July 2020.

May 28, 2021

Holcomb Sets End Date For COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Gov. Eric Holcomb is ending the majority of remaining COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday and all state executive orders issued during the pandemic will be repealed at the end of June.

May 27, 2021

Purdue University Named In AG's Advisory Opinion On Vaccine Document Requirements

In his advisory opinion, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said that because public universities are "arms of the state" they are included in a new state law banning state and local units from requiring an immunization passport.

May 26, 2021

AG Rokita: Indiana University COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Violates State Law

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued an advisory opinion on the issue Wednesday, prompted by requests from Republican lawmakers who oppose the university policy.

May 25, 2021

Indiana House Lawmakers Ask Governor To Stop IU's COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

The group of GOP lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Eric Holcomb Tuesday. In it, they say students will drop classes, be ostracized from campus and employees will be fired if IU is allowed to mandate the vaccine.

May 24, 2021

Former Northern Indiana Mayor Dies After COVID-19 Illness

Former Elkhart Mayor Dave Miller died Sunday at age 62. Miller was the citys mayor from 2000 through 2007.

May 24, 2021

Indiana Lottery Sees Big Ticket Sales Jump Amid Pandemic

Sales for daily draw and big jackpot games such as Powerball and Mega Millions are expected to finish 19 percent ahead of last year.

May 23, 2021

Coronavirus: IU, Notre Dame Mandate Vaccines, State Ending Federal Unemployment

The Indiana Department of Health reported 73 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 13,136 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 4,700 new cases in the last week.

May 21, 2021

'We're Sitting Ducks': Hoosiers Worry About The End Of Federal Unemployment Benefits

In a little less than a month, Indiana will stop payments of all federal unemployment benefits in hopes it will force workers to fill vacant jobs.

May 21, 2021

Community Organizations Criticize IU Health's Response to Dr. Susan Moore's Death

An external review found that while the medical care Dr. Susan Moore received did not cause her death, cultural competence was not practiced by all providers and several lacked awareness of implicit racial bias in Moores care.

May 21, 2021

Indiana University Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination Shots

IU officials announced the requirement for its campuses across the state Friday, saying it will allow the university to lift most coronavirus-related restrictions such as face masks and physical distancing.

May 21, 2021

Notre Dame To Require COVID-19 Vaccine For Faculty And Staff In Fall 2021

The University of Notre Dame will require all faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before the start of the fall semester.

May 19, 2021

Holcomb Says No To Cash Incentives For COVID-19 Vaccinations

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a $1 million lottery system for vaccinated Ohioans last week, using federal COVID-19 relief dollars.

May 17, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana Opens Vaccines To 12+, Legislature Overrides Local Health Orders Veto

The Indiana Department of Health reported 60 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 13,063 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 5,700 new cases in the last week.

May 15, 2021

2 Indiana Counties Lifting Mask Orders With New CDC Guidance

The St. Joseph County order covering South Bend was rescinded as of Thursday night, while the Monroe County order including Bloomington will end Monday morning.

May 15, 2021

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Opens Gates To Fans In May, The First Time Since 2019

Last year COVID-19 restrictions forced IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to move the GMR Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500 from May to later in the year. The races eventually ran without fans in the stands.

May 14, 2021

State Health Officials Working To Counter COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

Indiana is one of the worst states in the country in the percentage of its population vaccinated against the virus -- despite more than 1,000 vaccination sites statewide.

May 13, 2021

Republican Legislative Leaders Applaud Unemployment System Change

As Hoosiers wait to find out whether the governor will cut off extra federal unemployment benefits, Republican legislative leaders say it's time to get the system back to the pre-pandemic normal.

May 13, 2021

How Is Indiana Distributing COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

Indiana opened vaccine registration beyond first responders and health care workers on Jan. 8, allowing Hoosiers 80 and older to schedule appointments for vaccines. Registration was opened to all Hoosiers 16 and older on March 31 and the state expanded eligibility to Hoosiers 12 and older on May 13.

May 12, 2021

IU Health Review Of Susan Moore's Death Says She Received Adequate Care, But Lack Of 'Empathy' And 'Compassion'

An external review on the death of a Black female doctor found the medical management and technical care she received from Indiana University Health did not contribute to her death. But the review also found a lack of empathy and compassion in the delivery of her care, according to a news release from IU Health on Wednesday.

May 12, 2021

Indiana Distributing More Pfizer Doses To Counties To Prep For 12+ Vaccine Eligibility

The state vaccination website will begin scheduling appointments for that age group at 8 a.m. Thursday, following federal approval made Wednesday afternoon.

May 12, 2021

Fort Wayne Teachers Getting Bonuses For Work During Pandemic

Teachers and other employees of the Fort Wayne Community Schools will receive payments of up to $2,000 for working during the pandemic, the school board has voted.

May 11, 2021

Indiana Health Department To Expand Vaccine Eligibility To 12 And Older Thursday, Pending CDC Recommendation

The Indiana Department of Health will expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to 12- to 15-year-olds starting Thursday, pending recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

May 11, 2021

Indianapolis Officials Back Mask Mandate, Capacity Limits

The Democratic-controlled Indianapolis council voted 19-5 along party lines Monday night to keep the mask mandate and rules that restrict restaurants to 75 percent indoor capacity and bars to 50 percent capacity.

May 11, 2021

Restaurants' Relaxed Alcohol Carryout Policies Ending After June

Gov. Eric Holcomb rescinded several executive orders Tuesday he issued last year to help businesses deal with the pandemic's restrictions.

May 10, 2021

Eli Lilly To Start Bringing Remote Workers Back To Indianapolis Headquarters

Global pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is planning for employees working from home to return to their Indianapolis offices this summer. Officials say this is another step towards businesses returning to what operations were before the pandemic.

May 10, 2021

Following The Shot: How One Dose Of Moderna Vaccine Made It Into An Arm In Southern Indiana

Nearly 110 million Americans have been vaccinated against COVID-19. And delivering each dose requires a complex chain of events. This is the story of one of those doses -- and how it ended up in Archie Thomas's left arm at a church recreation center in Evansville, Indiana.

May 10, 2021

Advocates Say Nursing Home Issues Haven't Disappeared Despite COVID-19 Improvement

Advocates for older Hoosiers say while Indiana nursing homes have emerged from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still ongoing issues that can't be ignored.

May 10, 2021

Local Emergency Health Rules Voided Without Local Body Approval After Veto Override

Local health officials across Indiana can no longer impose emergency rules stricter than the states after Republicans overrode the governors veto. Local legislative bodies county commissioners or city councils will have to enact those restrictions instead.

May 9, 2021

Coronavirus: Holcomb Vetoes Local Health Orders Bill, Indiana Hits 2M Fully Vaccinated

The Indiana Department of Health reported 66 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 13,003 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 7,000 new cases in the last week.

May 9, 2021

Indiana Surpasses 13,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths, Continues Exponential Slowdown

Indiana surpassed 13,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths Sunday. The state's rate of newly reported deaths has continued its exponential slowdown since the state began vaccine distribution.

May 8, 2021

Critics Say Indiana COVID-19 Law Allows Nursing Home Neglect

Advocates for nursing home residents say they worry a new Indiana law expanding COVID-19 liability protections for health care providers will effectively block many lawsuits over neglect and substandard treatment that weren't caused by the pandemic.

May 7, 2021

Ball State Wants To Return To 'Traditional' Campus Plan This Fall, But Some COVID Precautions Continue

Ball State University wants to return to education as usual next fall. Officials have adopted a plan that can change if COVID-19 infections spike again.

May 7, 2021

Job Search Requirement For Unemployment To Return, Federal Benefits On Chopping Block

Gov. Eric Holcomb said he will require out-of-work Hoosiers to actively search for jobs to remain on unemployment benefits.

May 7, 2021

As Demand For COVID-19 Vaccinations Drops, One Iowa Community Nears Herd Immunity

Around the nation, demand for the vaccine overall is decreasing. But many Native American tribal communities are ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to getting COVID-19 vaccines. And, one place in Iowa is getting close to herd immunity.

May 6, 2021

Vaccine Hesitancy Is A Barrier To Herd Immunity, But There's More To It Than Distrust

The demand for COVID-19 vaccines in Indiana is slowing down, even as the state hits 2 million fully vaccinated Hoosiers.

May 5, 2021

Eli Lilly Donates COVID-19 Treatments To India, Other Countries Around The World

The Indianapolis-based global company is donating COVID-19 treatments to help severe cases in India and other countries struggling with the virus.

May 5, 2021

Indiana Reaches 2 Million Fully Vaccinated Hoosiers, Still Lags Slightly In Midwest

Health officials said last week they are working with the Indiana Rural Health Association to help improve vaccination rates.

May 4, 2021

Holcomb Vetoes Bill Tying Hands Of Local Health Officials During Emergencies

The legislation would have barred local health officials from issuing emergency rules that went any further than restrictions created by the state.

May 4, 2021

Indiana State Fair Returning After 2020 Pandemic Cancelation

Indiana State Fair officials said they have been actively working with the Indiana Department of Health on planning the fair's return a year after it was called off during the pandemic.

May 3, 2021

Face Masks Still Being Required At Indiana Casinos

The casino rules require customers to wear masks except when eating, drinking or smoking while seated at a slot machine, bar or restaurant table.

May 2, 2021

Coronavirus: State Vaccine Clinics To Take Walk-Ins, New Lawsuits For Emergency Powers

The Indiana Department of Health reported 73 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 12,937 confirmed deaths. The state also reported nearly 8,000 new cases in the last week.

April 29, 2021

Indiana Watching Counties Near Michigan For COVID-19 Risk

The counties near Indianas border with Michigan are showing persistent risk of coronavirus spread, with top state health officials saying Wednesday they were trying to turn around declining COVID-19 vaccination rates.

April 28, 2021

Health Officials Outline Future Consequences For Indiana Vaccine Hesitancy

Indiana is encouraging state vaccine providers to accept walk-ins and working to get primary care providers access to vaccines.

April 28, 2021

IDOH Asks State Vaccine Clinics To Accept Walk-In Appointments As Demand Drops

With demand for the COVID-19 vaccine dropping, the Indiana Department of Health is asking state vaccine providers to accept walk-in appointments.

April 27, 2021

Indiana COVID-19 Hospitalizations Highest Since Mid-February

The Indiana Department of Health's latest COVID-19 tracking update showed that Indiana's hospitals were treating 955 people for coronavirus illnesses as of Monday.

April 27, 2021

Indiana Uses Emergency Alert System For Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

Hoosiers in central Indiana got the alert on their phones Tuesday that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway vaccine clinic is open to walk-ins through Thursday.

April 27, 2021

Slipping COVID-19 Treatment Demand Hits Eli Lilly Forecast

Overall, Lilly's net income fell 7 percent in the quarter to $1.35 billion, with adjusted earnings totaling $1.87 per share. Revenue grew 16 percent to $6.81 billion.

April 26, 2021

COVID Community Grants Application Deadline Approaches

Applications for COVID-19 community grants being offered through the city are due this week and the city is offering help to apply.

April 26, 2021

Third of Hoosiers 16 and older fully vaccinated for COVID-19

The Indiana Department of Health said that about 1.74 million Hoosiers -- or 32 percent of Indiana's roughly 5.3 million residents ages 16 and older -- have been fully vaccinated.

April 23, 2021

Indiana Lifts Pause On Johnson & Johnson Vaccines Follows FDA, CDC

The Indiana Department of Health announced Friday it is lifting its pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, following federal guidance.

April 22, 2021

Searching For Footing In A Life Nearly Extinguished By COVID

Like so many health care workers battered by the pandemic, Kari Wegg is searching for footing in a life after COVID. But the scars across her chest and neck are constant reminders that it takes much more than a shot in the arm to get there.

April 22, 2021

Indiana Lawmakers Enact COVID-19 Vaccine Passport Ban At 2021 Session's Close

Hoosier lawmakers passed a ban on COVID-19 vaccine passports in the waning hours of the 2021 legislative session Thursday.

April 22, 2021

Marion County Officials Provide COVID-19 Update Post NCAA Tournament

COVID-19 cases in Marion County have started to plateau following a small surge over the past month.

April 22, 2021

Indiana Bill Approved To Ban Government Vaccine Passports

The Republican-dominated House and Senate voted Thursday by wide margins to approve a wide-ranging health care and insurance bill that included the vaccine passport ban.

April 21, 2021

Local Health Officials Hands Bound By State Lawmakers Reacting To COVID-19 Pandemic

It's going to be a lot harder for local health officials to create and enforce temporary restrictions during a public emergency under legislation approved Wednesday.

April 21, 2021

Indianapolis 500 To Allow 40 Percent Capacity, Highest-Attended U.S. Sporting Event In A Year

Even with the reduced number of fans -- roughly 135,000 -- it will be the largest in-person sporting event since the start of the pandemic.

April 20, 2021

Lawmakers Reach Deal Giving Local Officials Say Over Health Orders

Republican supporters say the proposal is meant to provide a "check and balance" protecting the rights of business owners.

April 19, 2021

Northern Indiana Amish See Hurdles Getting COVID-19 Vaccines

In Elkhart County, a direct effort to get shots to the Amish has yet to launch, according to county Health Officer Dr. Bethany Wait.

April 19, 2021

Indiana Expanding Medicaid Coverage To New Mothers 12 Months Postpartum

Medicaid coverage for Hoosier women during their pregnancy typically lasts until 60 days after they give birth, but that was extended through the most recent federal COVID-19 relief package.

April 19, 2021

Anxiety is Expected as Life Starts to Return to Normal From Pandemic

As more Americans are vaccinated for COVID-19, many states are beginning to lift restrictions on gatherings. But for some people, the thought of going back to a pre-pandemic lifestyle is cause for anxiety.

April 19, 2021

Northern Indiana Amish See Hurdles Getting COVID-19 Vaccines

In Elkhart County, a direct effort to get shots to the Amish has yet to launch, according to county Health Officer Dr. Bethany Wait.

April 18, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana Pauses Johnson & Johnson Vaccines, Legislature Overrides Veto

The Indiana Department of Health reported 72 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 12,815 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 9,000 new cases in the last week, the most reported in a single week since mid-February.

April 15, 2021

Some Counties, Municipalities Stitch Together Mask Orders After Statewide Lift

Gov. Eric Holcomb lifted the statewide mask order, last week. But experts say the municipalities and counties that have maintained some kind of mask order are helping keep cases and hospitalizations down.

April 14, 2021

'Pause' on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Reverberates In Local Clinics

Plans to vaccinate Americans against COVID-19 had a setback Tuesday. Federal officials called for a pause on Johnson & Johnson's vaccine, to look into reports that it causes blood clots. And that news reverberated at clinics where the vaccine had already been used.

April 14, 2021

Marion County Public Health Department Opens New COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic On Eastside

Appointments are now available at the Marion County Public Health Department's new COVID-19 vaccine clinic on the eastside, located at 9503 E. 33rd St.

April 13, 2021

Indiana Presses Pause On Johnson & Johnson Vaccines, Works To Supply Vaccine Sites

The Indiana Department of Health announced Tuesday it is pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after national guidance to do so. The state is working to supply vaccination sites with other vaccines.

April 13, 2021

COVID-19 Cases Are Rising Despite Vaccines. Experts Say It's A Race Against Variants

Despite more than 1.4 million Hoosiers fully vaccinated, the state is seeing an increase in cases and hospitalizations. That's because the state is in a race against more infectious variants.

April 13, 2021

Indiana Surpasses 700,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Reports Recent Increase

Indiana surpassed 700,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases Tuesday. After weeks of declining cases, the state is seeing a slow uptick.

April 13, 2021

Indiana Health Officials Halting Use Of J&J vaccine

April 13, 2021

What's It Been Like To Be A Teacher During A Year Of COVID-19?

This time last year, as the pandemic took root across the country, teachers pivoted and grappled with questions they never considered.

April 12, 2021

House Debates, But Vote Blocked On COVID-19 Vaccine Passport Ban

Indiana House lawmakers debated a ban on so-called COVID-19 vaccine passports Monday.

April 12, 2021

Despite Online Learning Challenges, Families Find Some Value In A Year At Home

This time last year, students had been sent home for spring break -- and many just now came back to the classroom full time. Remote learning presented challenges, but some say they managed to find value in the changes forced onto their lives.

April 12, 2021

Indiana COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Infections Creeping Up

The Indiana Department of Health's latest COVID-19 tracking update showed Indiana hospitals treating 909 people for coronavirus illnesses as of Sunday to reach the highest level since mid-February.

April 11, 2021

Coronavirus: Statewide Mask Order Lifts, Holcomb Vetoes Emergency Powers Bill

The Indiana Department of Health reported 76 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 12,743 confirmed deaths. The state also reported nearly 7,800 new cases in the last week, the most reported in a single week since mid-February

April 9, 2021

One Year Later, Family Of Southern Indiana's First COVID-19 Case Reflects On His Life

It's been about a year since COVID-19 upended our lives. Now, as more and more people get vaccinated, things are slowly returning to normal. And for one Midwestern family, that offers an unusual opportunity to honor a loved one -- with a long-awaited memorial service.

April 9, 2021

Calls To Indiana Child Abuse Hotline Down During Pandemic

The Indiana Department of Child Services hotline received on average about 600 calls each business day in 2020, the agency said, compared with about 700 calls on average every business day in 2018 and 2019.

April 8, 2021

As COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expands, Some Say They Don't Want The Shot

States across the Midwest are opening up COVID-19 vaccine appointments to more age groups. This should move the region closer to herd immunity and the return to some normalcy. Still, some say they don't want to get vaccinated.

April 8, 2021

Notre Dame Will Require Students Have COVID-19 Vaccine

The University of Notre Dame will require all students to get a COVID-19 vaccine before returning for the fall 2021 semester.

April 7, 2021

Nearly Quarter Of Hoosiers 16 And Up Vaccinated For COVID-19

A total of 1,291,190 Hoosiers -- 23.7 percent of Indiana's residents who are at least 16 -- have been fully vaccinated, while 1,827,696 first doses of vaccine have been administered statewide.

April 6, 2021

Marion County Focuses On Vaccinations

After the NCAA tournament, the emphasis turns to how the city will move forward in COVID-19 mitigation and vaccination efforts.

April 6, 2021

House-Approved Bill Would Restrict Local Health Officials During Emergency

Right now, local health officials can impose restrictions that go further than any state orders, like counties keeping mask-wearing mandates in place after the statewide mandate has ended.

April 6, 2021

Indiana Gets $61M To Boost COVID-19 Vaccine Among Minorities

The funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will help programs such as door-to-door outreach to raise awareness about vaccinations or help people sign up to get vaccinated.

April 5, 2021

Hotels Look To The Future As March Madness Comes To An End

The Indianapolis Marriott Downtown is the last hotel hosting NCCA men's basketball teams. It now looks to the future of how the 2021 tourism and convention season will define this year's business outlook.

April 5, 2021

Butler Hosting Vaccination Clinic for Students This Week

Butler University will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to all students this week.

April 4, 2021

Coronavirus: Holcomb To Veto Bill On Emergency Powers, Vaccines Open To All 16+

The Indiana Department of Health reported 50 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 12,667 confirmed deaths. The state also reported nearly 6,900 new cases in the last week.

April 2, 2021

For Non-English Speakers, Getting Vaccine Information Is A Challenge

The Midwest is home to tens of thousands of immigrants -- including refugees from countries like Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq. And it's been a challenge to provide information about COVID-19 and vaccines to those who don't speak English.

April 1, 2021

Most Schools Aren't Likely To Require Staff To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine. Here's Why

Some school leaders are allowing employees to decide, and have organized clinics to provide them with the opportunity to get vaccinated or offered incentives for those who do.

April 1, 2021

Ball State Still Requiring Face Masks After State Mandate Ends

Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns said he'll discuss a timeline to get back to normal with the school's board of trustees in May.

March 31, 2021

Holcomb Still Dropping COVID-19 Restrictions As Virus's Spread Worsens

Gov. Eric Holcomb is still dumping all statewide COVID-19 restrictions April 6, even as his top state health official warns of worsening spread.

March 31, 2021

Hoosiers Age 16 And Older Now Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine

Indiana's expansion of vaccine eligibility for youths and people in their 20s comes two days after state health officials expanded vaccine eligibility to people ages 30 to 39.

March 31, 2021

Holcomb To Veto Bill Allowing Lawmakers To Call Special Session During Emergency

Gov. Eric Holcomb -- in an opinion supported by legal experts -- said the Indiana Constitution only allows the governor to call a special session.

March 31, 2021

Indiana Helping Big Businesses, Colleges Set Up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Indiana is supplying big businesses and higher education institutions with the COVID-19 vaccine, to help vaccinate their employees and students.

March 30, 2021

Survey Finds Hoosier Small Businesses Experiencing Economic Improvements

The percentage of small businesses saying they will have to possibly close in the next six months dropped from 25 percent last December to 13 percent in a recent survey.

March 30, 2021

500 Festival Parade Won't Happen In Its Traditional Form This May

The 500 Festival announced details Tuesday for its lineup of events in the Month of May.

March 29, 2021

Black Americans Face Widening Life Expectancy Gap, Biggest Since 1998

Lloyd Hall's death from COVID last year illustrates a grim trend: The pandemic has decreased the life expectancy of a typical American, and is hitting Black Americans especially hard. The report shows that while Black Americans live to age 72, whites live to 78 -- a six-year gap that is the widest since 1998.

March 29, 2021

State To Open Mass Vaccination Site In Gary, Mobile Clinics Throughout Northern Indiana

The state is partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up a mass vaccination site in Gary that will run from April 7 through June 2, delivering 2,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine per day.

March 29, 2021

Indiana Opens Vaccine Eligibility To Hoosiers 30+, Ahead Of Final Expansion March 31

Hoosiers 30 and older can now register for appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the Indiana Department of Health announced Monday.

March 29, 2021

Notre Dame Announces Plan To Vaccinate All Students In April

The school will receive enough Pfizer vaccine for every student to be fully inoculated with both necessary doses before the end of May, university president Rev. John Jenkins said in a letter to students, faculty and staff.

March 29, 2021

Indianapolis To Receive Federal Stimulus Funding

Indianapolis is set to get an infusion of about $420 million in federal stimulus money.

March 29, 2021

Indiana Court Allows Seizure Of Federal Relief Payments

The Indiana Supreme Court this past week turned down an emergency petition filed by advocates for low-income families.

March 29, 2021

Mass Vaccine Clinics Return To Indianapolis Motor Speedway In April

Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be the site of 16 days of clinics to allow more Hoosiers to get vaccinated. This follows the success of a previous mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the famous track by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and IU Health.

March 29, 2021

Indianapolis To Receive Federal Stimulus Funding

Indianapolis is set to get an infusion of about $420 million in federal stimulus money.

March 26, 2021

Essential Worker, Butcher Juan Ruffin Reflects On One Year Of COVID-19

It's been a year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic in Indiana. When the Stay-At-Home orders went into effect in 2020, we brought you the stories of essential workers outside of health care who have also put themselves at risk in order to do their jobs. We checked back in with them about their lives one year later.

March 26, 2021

Indiana's Pandemic Death Toll Tops 13K With 20 More Deaths

Another 20 Indiana residents have died from COVID-19, pushing the state's pandemic toll to more than 13,000 deaths over the past year, state health officials said Friday.

March 26, 2021

Vaccine Effort Focuses On Native Groups In Indiana

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has partnered with several Indiana-based organizations to offer COVID-19 vaccines to Native Americans and other native groups in Indiana.

March 26, 2021

Subaru's Lafayette Plant Begins Vaccinating Workers

Subarus Lafayette auto plant began vaccinating workers on Friday as part of a statewide plan to ramp up vaccinations.

March 25, 2021

Indiana Surpasses 1 Million Fully Vaccinated, Three Months Into State Rollout

More than 1 million Hoosiers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, three months into the states rollout. The Indiana Department of Health announced the milestone Thursday.

March 25, 2021

Marion County Will Continue COVID-19 Restrictions

Marion County will keep its COVID-19 mask mandate and capacity restrictions even after the state lifts its orders.

March 24, 2021

Domestic Violence Against Black Women Rising During Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the lives of millions of Americans, it's also triggering an alarming increase in violence against Black women, advocates say.

March 24, 2021

Indiana Officials Defend Decision To End All COVID-19 Restrictions

Indiana officials Wednesday defended the decision to end all statewide COVID-19 restrictions, weeks or months before all Hoosiers will get a chance to get vaccinated.

March 24, 2021

Essential Worker, Janitor Dennis Osborn Reflects On One Year Of COVID-19

March 24, 2021

Hoosiers Likely Face Longer Waits For COVID-19 Vaccine When Eligibility Opens To All

Many Hoosiers should expect long waits to get a COVID-19 vaccine when they become eligible to schedule appointments next week.

March 23, 2021

COVID Impacts Available Marion County Jurors

Jury trials in Marion County have resumed after months of delay due to the pandemic and there are new challenges getting jurors.

March 23, 2021

Indiana's COVID-19 Restrictions To End April 6; Vaccines Open To All March 31

All Hoosiers age 16 and older can schedule COVID-19 vaccinations beginning March 31.

March 23, 2021

Vigil At Statehouse Highlights Issues Exacerbated By COVID-19

Activists and faith leaders gathered at the Statehouse Tuesday for a vigil and call-to-action on the first anniversary of the state's Stay-At-Home orders.

March 23, 2021

How Will Indiana Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

Indiana opened registration beyond first responders and health care workers on Jan. 8, allowing Hoosiers 80 and older to schedule appointments for vaccines. Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the state will expand eligibility to all Hoosiers 16 and older on March 31.

March 22, 2021

Report Examines Indiana Agriculture Supply Chain Issues During The Pandemic

Indiana food producers potentially lost more than an estimated $500 million during the pandemic.

March 22, 2021

One Year Of COVID-19 In Indiana

We asked Hoosiers across the state to share their stories with us the people we've lost, the triumphs, the recoveries, and the changes.

March 22, 2021

How Will Indiana Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

Indiana opened registration beyond first responders and health care workers on Jan. 8, allowing Hoosiers 80 and older to schedule appointments for vaccines. On March 20, the state announced its expansion for Hoosiers 40 and older.

March 22, 2021

Reflections: How This Nurse Found Strength During COVID

April Hendrickson is a resource nurse at University Hospital and Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She spoke with Side Effect's Public Media's Darian Benson about how she found strength in her faith while working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 22, 2021

COVID Impacts Available Marion County Jurors

Jury trials in Marion County have resumed after months of delay due to the pandemic and there are new challenges getting jurors.

March 22, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Open To Hoosiers 40 And Older Monday

Hoosiers 40 and older can now register for appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the Indiana Department of Health announced Saturday.

March 21, 2021

Spanish Language Hotline Will Be Available To Assist With COVID Vaccine

A vaccination hotline for Spanish-speaking residents will soon be available in an effort to improve COVID vaccination rates among Indianapolis Latinx community.

March 21, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana Opening Vaccines To Hoosiers 40+, Will Soon Receive More Doses

The Indiana Department of Health reported 90 additional confirmed deaths over the last week the fewest reported in a single week since Indiana moved to Stage 5 of its reopening plan on Sept. 26. That brings the state's total to 12,536 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 5,000 new cases in the last week.

March 19, 2021

The Latest Federal COVID-19 Relief Bill Means Nearly $2 Billion For Hoosier Schools

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Indiana is expected to receive $1,994,734,056 through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

March 19, 2021

Senate Committee Considers Specific COVID-19 Liability Protections For Medical Providers

House Bill 1002 would broaden protections for medical providers beyond the legislation already signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in February.

March 19, 2021

More Than 900K Hoosiers Now Fully Vaccinated For COVID-19

A total of 1,389,008 first doses of vaccine have been administered across Indiana, and 915,719 individuals -- or nearly 14 percent of Indiana's population -- have been fully vaccinated

March 19, 2021

'We're Very Grateful': For Some Farmworkers, U.S. Work Visas Provide Opportunity For Vaccination

As migrant farmworkers begin to arrive on the Midwest, pop-up clinics and other grassroots efforts are aimed at getting COVID vaccines to them.

March 18, 2021

Lawmakers Back Off Proposed Restrictions On Governor's Emergency Powers

Senate lawmakers dramatically scaled back a plan to restrict the governor's emergency powers, used extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 18, 2021

Indiana Hospitality Leaders Optimistic Over Recovery For Hotels, Restaurants

After quickly grinding to a halt last spring, officials say Indiana's hotels and restaurants are slowly recovering.

March 18, 2021

Indiana Bus Driver, Instacart Shopper Reflects On Working Through A Pandemic

It's been a year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic in Indiana. Throughout it, many front-line workers confronted personal fears to keep schools and businesses running. Melissa Rose from Valparaiso was one of them, working both as a bus driver and as a personal shopper for the grocery delivery app, Instacart.

March 17, 2021

GOP Attorneys General Question Stimulus Barring Tax Cuts

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is among Republican attorneys general from 21 states are questioning a provision in the $1.9 trillion pandemic rescue plan that bars states from using its funds to offset tax cuts.

March 16, 2021

Indiana General Assembly Approves Virtual School Funding Bill, Sends To Holcomb

The Indiana General Assembly has approved full funding for schools operating virtually because of COVID-19.

March 16, 2021

Six March Madness Referees Removed Before First Games After One Positive COVID-19 Test

One of the six officials was reported to have tested positive, but the NCAA said in a statement that the other five interacted with the individual for a prolonged amount of time and must quarantine.

March 16, 2021

Vaccine Registration Is Now Available To Hoosiers 45 And Older

Hoosiers 45 and older can now register for appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the Indiana Department of Health announced Tuesday.

March 16, 2021

Reflections: Doctor On Life And Death With COVID

For the past year, Dr. Lauren Graham has been the COVID-19 coordinator at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell, Iowa. She spoke to Side Effects Public Medias Natalie Krebs about what shes learned one year into the pandemic.

March 15, 2021

Reflections: How COVID Took A Toll On Nurse And Her Family

Agatha Walston, a registered nurse at a long-term care facility in Louisville, was on the front lines when the pandemic hit.

March 15, 2021

Teachers Can Get COVID-19 Vaccine At State Sites, Indiana Adds New Comorbidity Eligibility

Indiana K-12 teachers, school staff and child care workers can get the COVID-19 vaccine at any site in the state, starting Monday.

March 15, 2021

Report Shows Pandemic Challenges Disproportionately Affected LGBTQ+ Community

Damien Center President and CEO Alan Witchey said 23 percent of the LGBTQ+ population surveyed reported experiencing a decline in mental health during the pandemic.

March 15, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana Reopens Rental Help Program, Expands Comorbidity Eligibility

The Indiana Department of Health reported 136 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 12,446 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 5,000 new cases in the last week.

March 15, 2021

Grants Awarded To Animal Welfare Organizations

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust awarded $745,000 to central Indiana animal welfare organizations hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 10, 2021

Teachers Can Get COVID-19 Vaccine At State Sites, Indiana Adds New Comorbidity Eligibility

Indiana K-12 teachers, school staff and child care workers can get the COVID-19 vaccine at any site in the state, starting Monday.

March 10, 2021

Reflections: Adapting To Address Food Insecurity

As part of WFYI's series this month marking a year of pandemic, this reflection from President and CEO at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana John Elliott explores the year in food assistance.

March 10, 2021

Indiana Expanding COVID-19 Vaccinations To Teachers

Teachers and other school employees will be able to get COVID-19 vaccinations through Indianas shot clinics across the state starting next week.

March 10, 2021

Carbon Emissions Went Back Up As COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted

Though carbon emissions went down during Stay-At-Home orders last year, the pandemic may not have had as much of an effect on air quality in 2020 as we once thought.

March 9, 2021

Happy To Be Alive After COVID Double-Lung Transplant

In June, Mayra Ramirez became the first U.S. COVID-19 patient to undergo the life-saving procedure. She spoke with Side Effects Public Media about what shes been through in the past year.

March 9, 2021

Appointments Filled At 2 Upcoming Indiana Mass Vaccine Sites

All appointments have been taken for the mass vaccination sites set for this Friday and Saturday at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg and March 26-27 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend.

March 8, 2021

Reflections: A Timeline Of The COVID-19 Pandemic In Indiana

As 2019 drew to a close, a mysterious pneumonia-like illness emerged on the other side of the world. Within a month, COVID-19 was a global health emergency. Then, it became a pandemic. By the end of 2020, almost 8,000 Hoosiers had died as a result of COVID-19.

March 8, 2021

Reflections: How A Year Of COVID-19 Affected America

It's been a year since the COVID-19 crisis started to dominate our lives. To mark that milestone, our journalists revisited their reporting and collected some significant moments.

March 8, 2021

Indianapolis Public Schools Returning To In-Person Learning

The Indianapolis Public Schools will return to all in-person learning in its high schools and middle schools after spring break on April 5, the superintendent said.

March 8, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana Hits 1M Initial Vaccine Doses, State Expands Eligibility To Hoosiers 50+

The Indiana Department of Health reported 168 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 12,310 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 5,500 new cases in the last week.

March 5, 2021

Mass Vaccination Site Opens At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Holcomb Vaccinated

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened the state's first mass vaccination site Friday. Gov. Eric Holcomb and other state officials received their COVID-19 vaccine.

March 5, 2021

Weeks Into Vaccine Rollout, Some Worry About Being Left Behind

With demand still far outstripping supply, many seniors have struggled to get an appointment and are frustrated. And some worry the most vulnerable residents could be left behind.

March 4, 2021

Indiana's Child Care Workers Face Low Pay, Thin Margins - And The Pandemic Made It Worse

Even before COVID-19, the child care industry was characterized by thin margins and low worker pay. A year into the pandemic, some local providers are barely hanging on.

March 4, 2021

Lawmakers Debate Guidelines For Small Business Recovery Money

The legislation essentially puts into law a program created by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation last year, using federal COVID-19 relief dollars.

March 4, 2021

City Leaders Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Indianapolis city, health and faith leaders gathered to be vaccinated this week.

March 3, 2021

Indiana Teachers Can Get COVID-19 Vaccine At Kroger, Meijer, Walmart

A recent Biden administration announcement means that educators can get vaccinated through federal pharmacy program sites -- in Indiana, that's Kroger, Meijer and Walmart.

March 3, 2021

Indiana Opens Vaccine Registration To Hoosiers 50 And Older, Second Expansion This Week

Hoosiers 50 and older can now register for appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Wednesday's announcement from the Indiana Department of Health is the second expansion this week.

March 3, 2021

After Pandemic Shrunk Daycare Enrollment, Indiana Providers Try To Recover

As Indiana approaches a year since the COVID-19 shutdown, child care providers continue to face new realities as they try to keep doors open. While many high-quality providers once grappled with a shortage of child care seats, theyre now facing a shortage of children to fill them.

March 3, 2021

Indianapolis Urban League, Walmart Partner To Offer COVID-19 Vaccinations

A community service organization and major retailer are teaming up to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to residents aged 50 and older.

March 3, 2021

How Will Indiana Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

Indiana opened registration beyond first responders and health care workers on Jan. 8, allowing Hoosiers 80 and older to schedule appointments for vaccines. Now, Hoosiers 55 and older can register for vaccine appointments.

March 2, 2021

School Staff Have Limited Support As Mental Health Concerns Mount From Pandemic Stress

The Indiana State Teachers Association surveyed more than 2,000 educators last fall, and roughly 70 percent said they're considering leaving the profession because of higher work demands.

March 2, 2021

New Program Aims To Recruit COVID Ambassadors

Indianapolis is recruiting community members to promote local vaccination efforts through the new COVID Community Ambassador program.

March 2, 2021

Indiana Opens Registration To Hoosiers 55 And Older, Announces Mass Vaccination Sites

Hoosiers 55 and older can now register for appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Indiana Department of Health announced the expansion Tuesday.

March 1, 2021

1 Million Hoosiers Have Received At Least One Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine

As of March 1, nearly 15 percent of Hoosiers have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose compared to 15.9 percent in Kentucky, 14.4 percent in Ohio, and 14 percent in Michigan.

March 1, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana Expands Eligibility To Hoosiers 60+, State Cracks Down On Waitlists

The Indiana Department of Health reported 195 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 12,142 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 6,000 new cases in the last week.

February 25, 2021

CDC Launches Web Tool To Help Americans Find COVID-19 Vaccines

In Alaska, Indiana, Iowa, and Tennessee, the tool shows all the vaccine providers, including hospitals, clinics, and public health vaccination sites.

February 25, 2021

Marion County Eases Bar And Restaurant Restrictions

Beginning March 1 in Marion County, restaurant capacity can increase to 75 percent, bars to 50 percent and curfew will be extended to 2 a.m.

February 25, 2021

State Officials Remain Optimistic Indiana Can Safely Host March Madness With Fans

State officials reiterated Wednesday they believe the state will be able to safely host the NCAA Men's Division I basketball championship games next month even with fans.

February 24, 2021

Holcomb Extends COVID-19 Emergency Through March As Numbers Improve

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday he will renew the emergency another 30 days, through March.

February 24, 2021

Indiana Cracks Down On Clinics Violating COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Guidelines

Indiana officials announced Wednesday theyre cracking down on clinics that are vaccinating Hoosiers for COVID-19 who are not eligible under the states guidelines.

February 24, 2021

Indiana Teachers Used Waitlists To Get The COVID-19 Vaccine. Officials Shut Them Down

Teachers and other Hoosiers throughout the state signed up for vaccine waitlists to receive unused vaccine doses and help avoid waste.

February 23, 2021

IU Plans In-Person Spring Commencements, For Graduates Only

While graduates can attend the planned ceremonies, their family and friends are invited to attend the commencements virtually.

February 23, 2021

Immigrant Doctors Worry About Families Back Home With Little Vaccine Access

As American healthcare workers received COVID vaccines, many were relieved and hopeful. But many doctors who are foreign-born also describe a bittersweet feeling. They worry about family and friends back home who have little access to the vaccines. And it could be a long wait -- dozens of countries still have not received any vaccine doses.

February 23, 2021

Indiana Surpasses 12,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths, Continues Post-Holiday Slowdown

Indiana surpassed 12,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths Tuesday. The state's rate of newly reported deaths has continued its post-holiday slowdown.

February 23, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expands To Hoosiers 60 And Older

According to the Indiana Department of Health, the age group accounts for more than 22 percent of the states population but 64 percent of the COVID-19 hospitalizations and 93.3 percent of the deaths.

February 22, 2021

Hospitality Industry Welcomes March Madness Attendance, Health Expert Preaches Caution

Hotels and restaurants were already preparing to host 68 teams consisting of athletes, coaches, staff and family members. The latest decision allowing up to 25 percent capacity at each venue will increase the number of people coming to Indiana.

February 22, 2021

City-County Council Supports Teacher Vaccines, Adopts Money For Pandemic Response And Other Measures

The Indianapolis City-County Council held a full meeting Monday night and started with resolutions to prioritize teachers and public transportation workers for COVID-19 vaccinations.

February 21, 2021

Coronavirus: Winter Storms Delay Vaccine Expansion, Holcomb Signs Liability Protections

The Indiana Department of Health reported 201 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state's total to 11,947 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 6,000 new cases in the last week -- the fewest weekly reported total since early October.

February 19, 2021

Indiana Senate Rolling Back Some COVID-19 Precautions

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) said the improving COVID-19 numbers across the state prompted the change.

February 19, 2021

NCAA To Allow Some Fans At This Year's March Madness In Indiana

Last month, NCAA officials announced all 67 games would be held in Indiana to limit team travel and keep athletes, coaches and staff safe during the pandemic.

February 19, 2021

Trust Is Key To Combat COVID Vaccine Hesitancy, Experts Say

People of color continue to be hit hard by COVID-19. But they're being vaccinated at lower rates. Experts say mistrust is a big factor, and some groups are trying to help.

February 18, 2021

Governor Holcomb Signs COVID-19 Civil Liability Protections Bill Into Law

Senate Bill 1 requires an individual wanting to file suit to show evidence of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

February 17, 2021

Indiana COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibilty Expansion Delayed By Winter Storms

More than 5,500 vaccination appointments had to be rescheduled because of severe weather this week. And the winter storm caused delays in vaccine shipments to Indiana.

February 17, 2021

No Indiana Counties Marked High Risk For COVID-19 Spread

The Indiana Department of Health's weekly tracking map updated Wednesday labels no counties in the highest-risk red category for the first time since late September. That is down from 73 of the 92 counties in that category last month.

February 16, 2021

Winter Weather Forces Temporary Closure Of Vaccination Sites Across State

More than 70 COVID-19 vaccine clinics were closed Tuesday in the aftermath of a winter storm that dumped up to 18 inches of snow in northwestern Indiana and between 6 to 8 inches in the central and eastern parts of the state.

February 15, 2021

COVID-19 Civil Liability Protections Bill On Its Way To The Governor's Desk

Gov. Eric Holcombs signature is all that separates Hoosier businesses, health care systems and schools from COVID-19 liability protections.

February 15, 2021

Federal Trials Expected To Resume In Indiana District

Federal jury trials suspended last fall amid a surge in coronavirus cases are expected to resume in April in all divisions of the Southern District of Indiana, a judge announced Friday.

February 12, 2021

Residents Turn Out for Food Distribution at State Fairgrounds

Approximately 1,000 families were served at a mobile food distribution site at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Friday.

February 11, 2021

Marion County COVID Updates Focus On Vaccination

Marion County officials gave an update Thursday on COVID-19 numbers, public health orders and vaccination efforts.

February 11, 2021

Senate COVID-19 Liability Protections Passes House, House Version Still Moving Through

Senate Bill 1 would limit legal action from Hoosiers against companies, hospitals, schools and other organizations for damages related to COVID-19. It's one of two COVID liability protection bills proposed this session.

February 11, 2021

Indiana Officials Say Some Special Educators Can Get Their COVID-19 Vaccine Now

Indiana is the only state in the region with no plans for when teachers will become widely eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, but the state's health commissioner says a specific group of special educators should get their shots now.

February 11, 2021

Rural Areas Face Challenges In COVID Vaccine Rollout

Across the Midwest, the rollout of COVID vaccines has been spotty. Lots of people are having a trouble with online signups. And vaccine demand far exceeds supply. That's made the process challenging, especially in rural areas.

February 11, 2021

How Will Indiana Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

Indiana opened registration beyond first responders and health care workers on Jan. 8, allowing Hoosiers 80 and older to schedule appointments for vaccines. Now, Hoosiers 65 and older can register for vaccine appointments.

February 10, 2021

Once Vaccine Supply Allows It, Indiana Outlines What Next Steps Of Rollout Look Like

Indiana announced Wednesday it would not be extending vaccine registration to the next age group -- 60 and older -- this week. But health officials outlined what the phase after that looks like.

February 10, 2021

Study Finds Pandemic Exacerbated Indiana's Preexisting Economic Issues

Only 42 percent of Hoosiers have what is considered a good paying job according to a new report released Wednesday by the Brookings Institution.

February 9, 2021

Indiana Deaths Jumped By 18% During 2020 Amid Pandemic

Preliminary totals from the Indiana Department of Health show nearly 77,000 died in the state last year -- an increase of almost 11,000 from 2019.

February 8, 2021

Senate-Approved Bill Empowers Local Leaders To Overturn Health Officials' Actions

Legislation approved by the Senate Monday would give more power to local city or county leaders to overturn the actions of local health officials.

February 8, 2021

CARES 2.0: How Much New Federal Emergency Funding Is Coming To Indiana Schools

The package provides schools with a direct line to roughly four times the amount of money than the original CARES Act. Many plan to use the funding to address learning loss and other ongoing needs exacerbated by the pandemic.

February 8, 2021

In Rural Indiana Counties, Libraries Help With Vaccine Outreach

Noble County is mostly rural and sits in the northeast corner of Indiana. When local officials looked for vaccination sites, they sought a place that was centrally located and accessible.

February 8, 2021

Indianapolis Public Library Locations Set To Reopen For In-Branch Services

Patrons will be allowed inside the facilities to use computers, browse collections, pick up items they've placed on hold, and check out materials through self-service kiosks. Programming and events will remain online.

February 8, 2021

Coronavirus: State Opens Vaccines To Hoosiers 65+, Relaxes School Quarantine Guidelines

The Indiana Department of Health reported 296 additional confirmed deaths over the last week, along with 1,507 historical deaths from a year-end audit. That brings the states total to 11,401 confirmed deaths.

February 8, 2021

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo Tigers Test Positive For COVID-19

The source of infection is not yet known and zoo staff are working with the Allen County Department of Health and the State Board of Animal Health to identify potential sources, according to officials.

February 4, 2021

Indiana Adds 1,507 Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths After Audit, Total Surpasses 11,000

More than 1,500 confirmed COVID-19 deaths were added to the state's count Thursday after a year-end audit of deaths.

February 4, 2021

Questions About COVID Vaccines? Two Scientists Explain.

The COVID-19 vaccines hold promise for ending the pandemic, and millions of Americans have received at least one shot. But 39 percent aren't likely to get a vaccine, according to a December study from the Pew Research Center. One of the main reasons: a lack of trust in the research and development process.

February 4, 2021

Committee Changes Bill Dealing With Governor's Emergency Powers

The bill arose out of frustrations from some lawmakers about Gov. Eric Holcomb's COVID-19 restrictions.

February 4, 2021

Lilly Partners With State, Health Systems To Create COVID-19 Treatment Sites

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly is partnering with health care systems around the state to increase access and affordability around its COVID-19 antibody treatment.

February 3, 2021

Indiana Will Air Super Bowl Commercial To Urge Hoosiers To Get COVID-19 Vaccine

The Indiana Department of Health will run a commercial during Sunday's Super Bowl emphasizing the importance of COVID-19 precautions and getting the vaccine.

February 3, 2021

Nursing Homes Must Allow Visitors During Lockdown Under Senate Bill

Indiana would require all nursing homes to allow at least some limited visitation for their residents -- even during a pandemic -- under legislation unanimously approved by a Senate committee Wednesday.

February 3, 2021

House Passes Bill To Provide Additional Aid To Small Businesses, Goes To Senate

House Bill 1004, passed by the Indiana House Tuesday, will provide funds to help small businesses that have been hit hard during the pandemic.

February 3, 2021

Indiana Virtual School Funding Fix Legislation Takes Next Step With House, Senate Approval

Lawmakers in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly have approved legislation to provide full funding for schools operating virtually during the pandemic after the Senate approved its version of the bill Tuesday.

February 2, 2021

Indiana House Member Returns From COVID-19 Hospitalization

Democratic Rep. Vanessa Summers of Indianapolis told House members Tuesday that she was hospitalized for 18 days, including 11 days in the intensive care unit, and was still using supplemental oxygen to breathe.

February 2, 2021

How Will Indiana Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

February 1, 2021

Hoosiers 65 And Over Now Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine

The Indiana Department of Health announced Monday that Hoosiers age 65 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

February 1, 2021

Some Grocery Stores Continue To Ban Reusable Bags, Despite Low Risk Of COVID-19 Spread

The science on how the virus spreads has evolved -- and some question the need to continue reusable bag bans.

February 1, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana To Receive More Vaccine Doses, Holcomb Relaxes Restrictions

The Indiana Department of Health reported 258 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 9,340 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 15,500 new cases in the last week the fewest weekly reported total since late October.

January 29, 2021

COVID Forces Artist With Disability To Pause Teaching

Johnson Simon, a painter and professor who has cerebral palsy, had his career plan interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. He spoke to Seth Johnson about his passion for teaching in an audio diary project for our Move to Include series.

January 29, 2021

Lilly 4Q Profit Surges, Helped By New COVID-19 Treatment

Eli Lilly's new COVID-19 treatment helped the drugmakers fourth-quarter profit surge even though U.S. regulators approved its use late in the quarter.

January 28, 2021

New State, Federal Policies Could Alleviate COVID-19 Stress On Latinx Communities

Latinx communities represent a high portion of essential workers, and have also been hit hardest by lost jobs and reduced hours during the pandemic.

January 28, 2021

Feds Withheld Info On Virus Cases Following Executions

At least two journalists tested positive for coronavirus after witnessing the Trump administration's final three federal executions, but the Bureau of Prisons knowingly withheld the diagnoses from other media witnesses and did not perform any contact tracing, The Associated Press has learned.

January 28, 2021

Survey: Parents and Teachers Grapple with In-Person Learning

A new national survey from Public Agenda finds that only about a third of parents think they can handle the challenge of educating their children. But it also finds that teachers and parents are in broad agreement that in-person teaching during COVID-19 is dangerous.

January 28, 2021

Virtual School Advocates Seize Opportunity To Voice Funding Frustrations, Parent Sues SBOE

An Indianapolis parent is suing the State Board of Education after it changed a policy to ensure full funding for students learning remotely because of COVID-19.

January 28, 2021

Woman With Disability Adjusts After COVID-19 Interrupts Work

As a person who likes to stay busy, Chelsea Davis had a hard time adjusting when COVID shut down her places of employment and volunteering. Seth Johnson interviewed her for Side Effects Public Media as part of an audio diary project for our Move to Include series.

January 27, 2021

Gov. Holcomb Relaxing Coronavirus Limits On Crowd Sizes

Indiana's crowd size limits will be relaxed starting next week following recent improvements in the statewide COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates, the governor announced Wednesday.

January 27, 2021

Holcomb Relaxes Restrictions As COVID-19 Numbers Improve

Gov. Eric Holcomb is relaxing COVID-19 restrictions as the number of Hoosiers testing positive and hospitalized with the virus trend down.

January 27, 2021

More Vaccine Expected, But Indiana Not Advancing Distribution To More Age Groups

Indiana officials say the state will begin to receive a slight increase in its number of COVID-19 vaccine doses -- but not enough to open up appointments to more people.

January 27, 2021

Will COVID Spark A New Round Of Festival Cancellations?

Fairs and festivals play an important role in the culture and economy of communities across the Midwest. But the continued prevalence of COVID-19 could put them in jeopardy again in 2021.

January 27, 2021

Indiana Tracking Map Lowers COVID-19 Risk For Many Counties

Indiana health officials have lowered the risk level for coronavirus spread in more of the state's counties, leaving only five rural counties in the most dangerous category.

January 27, 2021

Como Eliminar Las Barreras A Las Pruebas De COVID Para Trabajadores Agrcolas

Durante mas de una decada, Sarai ha sido una trabajadora agrcola que ha cultivado maiz y soya en los campos del centro de Illinois. Se mudo de Mexico a los Estados Unidos para encontrar un trabajo que le permitiera mantener mejor a su familia.

January 27, 2021

Runner With Disability Gives Students Message About Inclusion

Andrew Peterson isn't one to stay still, but he's had to get creative since the pandemic cancelled the marathons and other events he'd normally be running in. Born with fetal alcohol syndrome, he is an avid runner and has shared a message about inclusion with tens of thousands of students.

January 26, 2021

Studies Extend Hopes For Antibody Drugs Against COVID-19

Antibodies are proteins that attach to a virus and block it from infecting cells, but it takes several weeks after infection or vaccination for the most effective ones to form. The drugs aim to help right away, by supplying concentrated doses of one or two antibodies that worked best against the coronavirus in lab tests.

January 26, 2021

Disability Amid COVID Crisis Sparks Push For New Skills

What does an entertainment journalist do when he cant cover events? Seth Johnson talks about his experience learning new skills including creating radio diaries for Side Effects during the pandemic. Part 1 of our Move to Include series on how people with disabilities are coping during this nationwide public health crisis.

January 25, 2021

Lawmaker's Bill Would Prevent Many Future COVID-19 Restrictions

An Indiana lawmaker wants to ban state and local governments from ever again imposing many of the COVID-19 restrictions in place over the last year.

January 25, 2021

Indiana House Version Of COVID-19 Liability Bill Passed By Committee

Indiana businesses and institutions are one step closer to being protected from COVID-19 lawsuits. A House committee passed the bill but some still worry the protections go too far.

January 25, 2021

Fishers Opens Mass Vaccination Site

The city of Fishers opened the doors of its new mass vaccination site Monday.

January 24, 2021

Coronavirus: Indiana Starts 2021 With COVID-19 Improvements, But Vaccine Rollout Slows

The Indiana Department of Health reported 404 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 9,340 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 20,500 new cases in the last week the smallest weekly total reported since Halloween.

January 22, 2021

Under Strain Of Pandemic, Some Child Care Providers May Face Permanent Closure

Nearly one in five child care providers in Indiana say they are likely to permanently close in the future, according to a survey conducted by the Office for Early Childhood and Out of School Learning at the end of last year.

January 21, 2021

School Police Can Sign Up For The COVID-19 Vaccine Right Now. Teachers Still Can't

The limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines is causing tension as states roll out plans for who should get shots first, and school advocates in Indiana are pressing for more access for teachers.

January 21, 2021

Vaccine Rollout Slows In Indiana After Trump Administration National Stockpile Failure

The Trump administration's failure to produce a national stockpile of the COVID-19 vaccine is preventing Indiana from moving its vaccine distribution plan further forward.

January 21, 2021

Indiana Sees Slow Down In COVID-19 Cases, Testing As It Surpasses 600,000

Indiana surpassed 600,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases Thursday. While the state's daily case count has slowed down, so has its testing.

January 21, 2021

Thawed Vaccine Leads Johnson County To Offer Shot To Public

The Johnson County Health Department and Johnson Memorial Hospital received 957 already thawed Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines late last week. Officials had to act fast because that vaccine can be stored thawed for only up to five days under U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance.

January 21, 2021

Lilly: Drug Can Prevent COVID-19 Illness In Nursing Homes

Indianapolis-based drugmaker Eli Lilly said Thursday its antibody drug can prevent COVID-19 illness in residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care locations.

January 20, 2021

Indiana Starts 2021 With Decreases In COVID-19 Cases, Death Trends

After setting more than a dozen COVID-19 records between October and December, Indiana has started the new year with significantly lower cases and deaths than those record-setting months.

January 20, 2021

Amid COVID-19, Public Health Workers Face Intense Pressure And Backlash

The work that people in public health do is often not very visible. It's usually focused on long-term impacts like improving maternal health and encouraging flu shots. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. last spring, public health workers were thrown into the spotlight seemingly overnight. And this sudden shift has taken a huge toll on them.

January 19, 2021

Indiana Crosses 9,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths, Sees Slight Slow Down In Pace

More than 62 percent of the state's total deaths have been reported since Indiana moved to Stage 5 of its reopening plan on Sept. 26.

January 19, 2021

IDOE Under Federal Investigation For Pandemic Special Education Service Complaints

The U.S. Department of Education said in a letter sent to the state last week that it's "troubled" by reports of parents filing multiple complaints that their students have been forced into virtual learning plans that don't address their unique needs.

January 18, 2021

Telemedicine Sounds Great, But There Are Barriers, Too

As soon as COVID hit, there was a huge jump in telemedicine visits. But some of these virtual options remain out of reach for the most vulnerable populations, like seniors and rural residents.

January 15, 2021

Black Families More Likely To Lack Housing Amid Pandemic

Hoosier housing experts say the coronavirus has put added pressure on many families. There may be fewer options to live with relatives, leaving more parents and children without a permanent residence. And that can hit the Black community especially hard. A look at the issue through the experience of a single father of five.

January 14, 2021

Agencies Working To Get COVID-19 Vaccine To Homebound Seniors

As Indiana works to make sure older adults get the COVID-19 vaccination, local agencies on aging are helping register seniors and get the word out about mobile vaccination offerings.

January 14, 2021

Talk To Children About Mental Health And Suicide, Experts Say

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on Americans' mental health. Hotline calls have increased. And doctors have seen an increase in depression like symptoms in patients -- even children. Health professionals are encouraging adults to talk to children about mental health and suicide.

January 14, 2021

Legislative Leaders Say They'll Address Enforcement Of Mask-Wearing At Statehouse

A legislative committee hearing this week was disrupted when dozens of people who showed up to testify refused to wear masks -- which are required in the Statehouse.

January 13, 2021

Officials Defend Vaccine Rollout After Opening To Hoosiers 70+: 'Our System Is Working'

Hoosiers 70 and older can now register for appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Indiana Department of Health announced the expansion Wednesday.

January 13, 2021

Indiana Bill Seeks To Let Workers Opt Out Of Employer-Mandated Vaccines

A bill that would give Hoosier workers the right to refuse employer-mandated vaccines had its first hearing in a committee Wednesday morning. It would go further than current federal laws and excuse workers based on their conscience.

January 13, 2021

How Will Indiana Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

Indiana opened registration beyond first responders and health care workers on Jan. 8, allowing Hoosiers 80 and older to schedule appointments for vaccines. As of Jan. 13, those 70 and older are eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment.

January 11, 2021

Health Officials Identify United Kingdom COVID-19 Strain In Indiana

The Indiana Department of Health announced Monday a new strain of COVID-19 -- which had previously been identified in the United Kingdom -- is also in Indiana.

January 11, 2021

Officials: More Contagious Virus Variant Found In Indiana

The Indiana Department of Health said the variant was identified in the state through testing by the state agency's laboratory and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but Monday's announcement included no additional information on its discovery in the state.

January 11, 2021

Coronavirus: Vaccine Registration Begins For Hoosiers 80+, Indiana To Host March Madness

The Indiana Department of Health reported 502 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 8,613 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 37,500 new cases in the last week.

January 8, 2021

State Vaccination Registration Experiences Slowdowns Due To High Traffic

Registration opened to Hoosiers aged 80 and older on Friday, which represents about 4 percent of the population.

January 8, 2021

Chicago Mural Honors COVID's Essential Workers

On Chicago's Southwest side, a colorful mural pays tribute to Americas essential workers. It features three of the community's very own: Rosalinda, a retail clerk; Javier, a postal carrier and Juan, a butcher shop worker. Underneath their portraits are the words El Corazon de Chicago: The heart of Chicago.

January 7, 2021

'It Gives You Some Hope': How Schools Are Planning For Teacher COVID-19 Vaccinations

In some counties, initial doses have already become available for teachers, while others are still waiting without much information about when they'll get their shot.

January 7, 2021

Marion County Remains At Yellow COVID-19 Advisory Level, Schools Get Risk Calculation Tool

Health officials say Marion County is experiencing a bump in cases after the holidays.

January 6, 2021

Business Leaders Voice Support For Senate Bill To Provide COVID-19 Liabiity Protections

The bill would protect businesses, hospitals, schools and other institutions from being sued by an individual claiming to have been exposed to COVID-19 while on the premises.

January 6, 2021

Indiana Officials Defend Rollout As Older Hoosiers Can Soon Schedule Vaccinations

Indiana has used less than half of the total vaccine doses it's received so far. But Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver said many more appointments are scheduled through the end of January and no vaccine will be wasted.

January 6, 2021

Indiana Expands Virus Shots To Those 80 And Older This Week

The next vaccination steps announced Wednesday come after vaccinations of Indiana health care workers began Dec. 16 and extended to nursing home residents and staffers last week.

January 5, 2021

Indiana Anticipates Economic Boost From Hosting Entire Men's March Madness

No official analysis has been done on the economic impact of Indiana hosting this years March Madness games, but officials say they anticipate it to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

January 5, 2021

Small Group Protests Holcomb's Public Health Emergency Declaration Outside Statehouse

A group of about 20 protesters rallied outside the Statehouse Tuesday against Gov. Eric Holcomb's public health emergency orders.

January 5, 2021

Indiana COVID-19 Hospitalizations Increasing In New Year

Indiana hospitals had 2,907 coronavirus patients as of Monday, 71 more than Sunday and the most since Dec. 29.

January 5, 2021

Crisis Helpline Answers The Call for Hoosiers In Need

The 24/7 access helpline was launched in July to support the mental health needs of Hoosiers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 4, 2021

Lawmakers Begin Work With Unanswered Questions About Session Amid COVID-19

The Indiana House and Senate are making changes to the way they conduct business for the 2021 legislative session -- one everyone agrees will be "unique."

January 4, 2021

DWD Awaiting More Guidance To Roll Out Unemployment Benefit Changes

The Continued Assistance Act would restart additional Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (benefits at a lower rate and extends the length of time an unemployed worker can be eligible for benefits.

January 4, 2021

Indiana Leaders Stress Mental Health Awareness Amid Pandemic

Anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions have become more prevalent among Hoosiers since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the state's top health officials said in calling for renewed attention on mental health resources.

January 4, 2021

NCAA Selects Indiana To Host All 2021 Men's March Madness Games

Most games will be held in Indianapolis, some early games will be played in Bloomington and West Lafayette.

January 4, 2021

Indiana's 2021 Legislative Session Likely Dominated By COVID-19

The tone of the session was set on Organization Day in November, when leaders of both parties talked about the lessons learned from COVID-19 and how they would influence lawmakers' agendas.

January 4, 2021

Indiana University Study To Look At COVID-19 Immunity: How Long Does It Really Last?

A study at Indiana University aims to shed light on so-called COVID-19 immunity, after a person has been infected or after being vaccinated.

January 1, 2021

Indiana Passes 8,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths, Averages 72 Per Day In December

Indiana reported 1,000 new confirmed COVID-19 deaths in just 13 days, bringing the states total to more than 8,000 Friday.

December 30, 2020

Roughly 4.8 Million Hoosiers Will Need Vaccines To Achieve Herd Immunity

Health experts stress the importance of remaining cautious of the virus as the state works toward achieving herd immunity.

December 29, 2020

Indiana Hits 500,000 Positive COVID-19 Cases, Maintains Nearly Two Month Pace

Of the state's 500,282 total positive cases, 76.5 percent were reported after the state moved to Stage 5 of its reopening plan, in late September.

December 29, 2020

Top Indiana Chamber Legislative Priority: COVID-19 Liability Protections For Businesses

Businesses could stand to lose billions of dollars from lawsuits related to COVID-19. The Indiana Chamber's top priority for the upcoming legislative session will be to provide businesses some protections.

December 28, 2020

Indiana Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts After Holidays

Indiana's front-line health care workers began receiving the state's first shots of Pfizer's vaccine against COVID-19 earlier this month.

December 24, 2020

Doctor's Video Alleges Bias In COVID Care -- Just Before She Dies

The video -- with its allegations of racial insensitivity -- has sparked an outcry on social media. Some commenters -- including doctors -- say the allegations reflect long-standing structural racism within the medical profession.

December 23, 2020

Underground Insulin Markets Are Busy As COVID-19 Hammers Economy

The American Diabetes Association says about a quarter of people with the disease are tapping savings, loans or stimulus checks to buy insulin. And some are taking big risks to get the life-saving drug.

December 23, 2020

'A Day I'll Never Forget': One Doctor's Vaccine Experience

Medical professionals across the country are being vaccinated against COVID-19. For Dr. Gabriel Bosslet, a pulmonologist in Indianapolis, it was a day he'll never forget. He spoke with Side Effects Public Media's Carter Barrett, before getting the vaccine -- and just hours after the first dose.

December 23, 2020

Sen. Todd Young Defends Vote On Stimulus Package

The relief package includes $600 direct payments to most Americans, extends the federal unemployment insurance benefits by $300 per week through March of 2021 and provides $325 billion in small business relief.

December 22, 2020

State Says 91,000 Hoosiers Should Get Initial COVID-19 Vaccine Shot By Jan. 4

About 40,000 Hoosiers will have received the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of Tuesday. But state officials say it will remain a "scarce resource" for a long time.

December 22, 2020

School Nurses Connect Health And Education. COVID-19 Could Drive Some Off The Job

Indiana's school nurses are facing more demands than ever this year, as they help students, their families, and educators navigate the pandemic, but some are feeling burnt out after months of high-intensity work.

December 22, 2020

Minority Health Coalition Addresses COVID-19 Vaccine

Indiana health officials joined a webinar to discuss COVID-19 vaccination advances and efforts to equitably vaccinate Hoosiers.

December 22, 2020

People With Diabetes Struggle During COVID-19 Economic Crisis

The pandemic has left millions of Americans without jobs -- and health insurance. And for the one in 10 Americans with diabetes, this poses a life-threatening problem. Now, many are scrambling to pay for their insulin.

December 21, 2020

You Asked: Can I Get COVID-19 From The Vaccine?

States began receiving the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines this week, and more doses will follow. Each state has its own distribution plan, so check with your health department for specific information. Meanwhile, here are answers to some of your general questions about the vaccines.

December 21, 2020

As Indiana Hits 7,000 Deaths, Health Experts Urge Vigilance Against COVID-19

More than 7,000 Hoosiers have now died due to COVID-19, according to state data. Health experts are not straying from the same message on how to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

December 21, 2020

Holcomb Pushes Back On Restricting Governor's Emergency Powers

Indiana law gives the governor broad authority under public emergency declarations. In this year's case, Gov. Eric Holcomb declared a public health emergency in March and renewed it every 30 days since.

December 21, 2020

Pandemic Slows Reopening Of Fiat Chrysler Factory In Indiana

Fiat Chrysler has pushed back the reopening of a shuttered Indiana factory until late 2021, blaming delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 20, 2020

Indiana Reports 1,000 Dead In 11 Days, Surpasses 7,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths

More than 52 percent of the state's total deaths have been reported since Indiana moved to Stage 5 of its reopening plan on Sept. 26.

December 18, 2020

How Will Indiana Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

Indiana will begin receiving its first doses of COVID-19 vaccines this week, and anticipates receiving more at least weekly.

December 18, 2020

Indiana Restaurant Sues Governor, State Over Mask Mandate

The lawsuit challenges Gov. Eric Holcomb's executive order requiring masks to be worn in restaurants around Indiana. It is one of the first lawsuits to be filed over Holcomb's executive orders during the coronavirus pandemic.

December 18, 2020

Indiana Employers Can Require Vaccines, But Will They?

With some exceptions, Indiana employers can legally require workers to be vaccinated for COVID-19. But, that probably won't happen anytime soon due to several factors including a limited supply.

December 18, 2020

Don't Delay Medical Care During Pandemic, Doctors Say

Many Americans are putting off medical exams and routine treatment during the pandemic, the CDC says. Some are afraid of catching the virus at the hospital; others worry about putting more stress on our healthcare system. But doctors and other experts say that routine exams can expose troubling health issues -- and delays can lead to more serious problems.

December 16, 2020

Health Care Workers Receive First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

The new COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out across the country -- a process that will take months. But there were hopeful signs Wednesday at an Indianapolis hospital where some of the first shots were given.

December 16, 2020

Northwest Indiana Hospital Begins COVID-19 Vaccinations, Officials Warn Fight Isn't Over

Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana administered its first round of vaccines for health care workers Tuesday morning. However, hospital officials warn the fight against COVID-19 is far from over.

December 16, 2020

Indiana To Use Bulk Of Remaining COVID-19 Relief Money For Federal Unemployment Loan

Without an extension the money must be spent on expenses directly related to the pandemic incurred by the end of December.

December 15, 2020

Treating COVID-19 And Diabetes Is Challenge for Hospitals

Health care workers are learning that COVID-19 has the power to raise blood sugar to dangerous levels. And that's creating serious challenges for hospitals.