Unionized health care workers in northwest Indiana demanded better pay and pushed lawmakers to mandate a $15 an hour minimum wage as they rallied outside their union hall in Merrillville.

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.

The Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety, with members from central Indiana hospital systems, called on residents to adhere to safety measures, including masks and limiting social gatherings.

The Hoosier COVID Crisis petition calls for people to avoid gatherings, wear face masks, get the vaccine when its available and advocate for government financial support for those suffering the pandemics economic effects.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said the surgery restrictions will allow hospitals to shift health care workers to help care for patients with COVID-19.

Hospital officials across the state are worried about not having enough health care workers to care for the quickly growing number of severely ill patients.

Indiana health care workers say they're no longer the front line of attack in the fight against COVID-19 they're the last line of defense as spread of the virus worsens.

The Indiana Hospital Association says health care workers face a lot of uncertainties as case numbers continue to surge.

State officials are renewing their call for retired health care workers to help relieve staff in Indiana's hospitals and long-term care facilities as the number of hospitalizations and new infections across the state continue to spike at record highs.

Health care workers are under immense pressure these days. They have to deal with shortages of protective equipment such as gloves and masks. They're pulling long shifts. And they risk being infected with the coronavirus.