You have likely been reading and hearing about high COVID numbers in many states and localities.   What are the latest Fishers numbers?  The Fishers Health Department (FHD) shared some of that data Tuesday afternoon and it is not good news.

FHD Epidemiologist Josh Robinson, in his weekly video update, summarized the rapid increase in COVID cases in many places, due to the Omicron variant and what he describes as the “tail end of the second Delta variant surge.”

Here are just a few numbers that tell part of the story.

In Fishers, December 2021 registered the highest month of cases ever.  Last month, there were 3,184 total known COVID cases (there is no way to track home test results).  That number beats the previous high of 2,700 cases in December of 2020.

There were multiple days in the last week of December with more than 300 cases each day.  The highest number during that period was December 28th with 352 cases

“We anticipate that the spread will continue as there’s a high level of circulating COVID-19 in the community here in Fishers, Hamilton County, across the state (and) in many other states,” said Robinson in his video update.

Let’s look at the other numbers measuring the spread of COVID locally.

The overall Hamilton County unique individual positivity rate up from 18.5% the previous week to 24.6% this week.  The Fishers Testing Site positivity rate is up from 16% to 27.1%.  The Case Incidence Rate – a 14-day rolling average per 100,000 – was at 82 last week and increased to 162.6 this week.

Anyone trying to book a COVID test lately agrees with Mr. Robinson that there is an “extraordinarily high level of demand for testing capacity.”

FHD is working to expand options and availability of testing.  He suggests frequently checking the FHD Web site at this link.  The department says rapid tests are prioritized for school-age children.  Anyone can schedule a PCR test online.  Currently, there is a few days wait.  Most PCR test results are available within 3 days.

Not much change to report in hospital availability for Marion and surrounding counties, it remains low.  Hospitals are seeing an increase in people going into the hospital for COVID-19, stressing emergency rooms, admissions and ICU beds.

Robinson says the best way to combat this COVID wave is to vaccinate and get the booster if eligible.  He also urges residents to use mitigation strategies, such as mask wearing in public places, distancing where possible and observing good hygiene practices.

If you have any questions, Robinson suggests residents call the Fishers COVID hotline at 317-595-3211.

The full Josh Robinson video, posted Tuesday, is available at the link below.