INDIANAPOLIS, Ind – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb stated during his afternoon press conference Wednesday that the state’s positivity rate has moved from under 4% to 5.3% where it is today – all in a month’s time. He is also concerned with the record daily case numbers and hospitalization. With this information, Governor Holcomb announced Indiana will stay at Stage 5 for another month with the mask mandate, calling Stage 5 “not an excuse for indifference.”
The Governor expressed concern with some Hoosiers. “We all see Hoosiers with a disregard for the health of fellow citizens,” said Governor Holcomb. He added some Hoosiers are “whistling past the graveyard as we continue to incur healthcare costs, lost wages – too many are ignoring science and rolling the dice as if somebody is going to pay that bill for us. ”
Dr. Kristina Box, Commissioner – Indiana State Department of Health, joined the presser remotely as she announced that she along with two other family members have tested positive for COVID-19. “Our numbers (the state trending numbers) are not good, they are very concerning,” said Dr. Box. “Please be careful, and please, please, be responsible.”
Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Chief Medical Officer – Indiana State Department of Health, announced that out of an abundance of caution the Governor along with other top State Health officials will be tested. The Governor added he will self-quarantine after testing until results are known. “Stage 5 does not mean back to normal,” said Dr. Weaver. “This is our new normal. We can’t afford to get complacent.”
The decision to continue the state at Stage 5 will be revisited next Wednesday according to the Governor.
