Indiana schools reported more new COVID-19 cases last week than at any previous time during the pandemic.

August's new cases have continued their climb, reporting more than 5,000 new cases for the first time since Jan. 9. With the data reported Friday, Indiana has reported more than 70,000 new cases in August.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver host a virtual media briefing to provide updates on COVID-19 and it impact on Indiana.

State health officials are encouraging eligible Hoosiers to get a third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. This additional dose is different from the booster shots recently announced by the Biden administration.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box and Indiana Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsey Weaver shut down misinformation Friday that an antibiotic to treat animals could be used against COVID-19.

Many Hoosier K-12 schools have stopped reporting COVID-19 data to the state, as required.

The state's largest health system says affected patients are being notified and their procedures will be rescheduled in about three weeks.

According to the state's vaccine dashboard, only about half of Indiana’s long-term care workers are currently vaccinated.

The Indiana Department of Health reported more than 5,000 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, crossing yet another milestone in its late summer surge.

Earlier this month, the Penn-Harris-Madison school board adopted a mask-optional policy for the 2021-22 school year, drawing backlash from local doctors.