Fishers is beginning to feel the same impact of increased COVID cases seen in the rest of the state.  In a video update, Fishers Health Department Epidemiologist Josh Robinson cited the increase in the primary metrics as the reason for a risk level change.

The department has increased the community risk level from level 1 (green) to level 2 (yellow). The Hamilton County positivity rate is at 11.4%, which puts the county in red, the highest risk category.  The Fishers testing site has a positivity rate of 7.87%, or level orange.  The Fishers case incidence rate is at 19.54 (orange).

The area availability of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) space is in green, the best availability level.  However, local hospitalizations, in general, are increasing, according to Robinson.

The Fishers Health Department has seen a dramatic increase in positivity rates from early July to early August, with biggest increase in the age group under 12, the sector not eligible for the vaccine. But Robinson adds that the increase in positive cases is being seen in other age groups as well.

Robinson warns the current trends point to the strong possibility Fishers may move the community risk rating level up to level 3 as early as August 17th or 24th.

“There remains a higher level of risk for contracting and transmitting COVID now than what we’ve seen the past few months,” said Robinson.

Over 75% of our eligible (12 & over) population in Fishers has at least one COVID vaccine dose, but still leaves about 18,000 eligible residents unvaccinated.  Also, Robinson says there are about 18,000 people under the age of 12 living in Fishers not yet able to receive a vaccination.

For those reasons, the Fishers Health Department urges the local population to follow CDC guidelines on mask wearing.

If you have any questions or want to setup a vaccination, contact the Fishers Health Department at 317-595-3211.

You can view the latest  video from Josh Robinson at this link.