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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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