Josh Robinson, epidemiologist for the Fishers Health Department, posts video updates on COVID regularly. The video posted late Thursday did not have much good news.
Robinson is clear that there is an increase in local COVID cases.
“There is an extremely high level of COVID-19 transmission within the community, the county and the state,” Robinson said. “The new cases are actually increasing quite quickly and dramatically.”
He describes the 7-day average of new cases “as high as we’ve seen since early January this year.“
The numbers Robinson provides tell the story.
–The unique positivity rate for Hamilton County stands at 20.6%, up from the previous number of 13.2%. This is the highest number our county has seen since January 22nd of this year.
–The Fishers COVID testing site is showing an increase in the positivity rate at 14.55%.
–The case incidence rate, a rolling 14-day average, is at its highest level since January 26 …from 44.76 to 59.75.
–Healthcare system capacity numbers are “getting worse.” Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed availability is at 16% in our local area, the lowest availability rate seen in a while, according to Robinson.
“We’re definitely seeing a very high level of transmission,” according to Robinson. “There is an increase in ER visits and an increase in hospitalizations and a commensurate increase in ICU bed admissions.”
There is some good news. COVID testing availability in Fishers is doing well, with same day or next day tests available with results available within 3 days. Contact tracing is being done within 24 hours.
Fishers has very good vaccination rate numbers. The vaccination rate for Fishers residents of all ages (vaccinations remain unavailable to those under 5 years) stands as follows – first dose 68%…full vaccination 64%. For adults 18 & older, the first dose rate is 88%, full dose is 84%. For 5-17 year olds, the rate is 32% for first dose, 29% full vaccination.
“If you are fully vaccinated, given the high level of transmission in our community, large indoor activities should be avoided,” Robinson said. “Those are things with gatherings of 50 or more people where it is very difficult to tell the vaccination status of others socializing indoors or in your household.”
The Health Department says be careful at indoor events, even if vaccinated, and mask wearing is recommended.
“Indoor activities present an extremely high risk to unvaccinated individuals,” per the epidemiologist. “That’s whether it’s a social event like a large gathering or even going out and doing day to day activities. Unvaccinated individuals are an extremely high risk for contracting COVID.”
You can view the full video at the link below.