The Indiana State Department of Health reported 954 new positive coronavirus cases Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 59,602. Those new cases were reported to ISDH in the last 24 hours.

This was a new record number of new COVID-19 cases for the state.

The highest daily total the state had reported was 946 new cases on April 26.

ISDH also announced an additional 17 confirmed deaths from COVID-19, bringing Indiana’s total to 2,683. Another 197 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record.

Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.   

Beginning Monday, all Hoosiers ages 8 and older must wear masks at indoor public places, while using public transportation and when they cannot social distance outside.

Governor Eric Holcomb will sign the order today.

Numbers locally:

48 NEW CASES IN OUR LOCAL AREA

• Lawrence County

3927 Tests, 287 Cases, 26 Deaths – 4 new cases

• Jackson County

4269 Tests, 514 Cases, 3 deaths – 4 new cases

• Jennings County

1854 Tests, 188 Cases, 12  deaths 0 new cases

• Orange County

1531 Tests, 153 Cases, 24 deaths – 3 new cases

• Washington County

1632 Tests, 78 Cases, 1 death, 1 new case

• Scott County

2996 Tests, 207 Cases, 9  deaths  –  5 new cases

• Clark County

9586 Tests, 840 Cases, 45 deaths – 19  new cases 

• Floyd County

6958 Tests, 522 Cases, 44 deaths, 12 new case

• Harrison County

3046 Tests, 235 Cases, 22 deaths  0 new cases

• Crawford County

754 Tests, 37 Cases, 0 deaths – 0 new cases

In Washington County, there has been an 8.3 percent increase in cases over the past week. 

Recently it was discussed that Washington County only had the capacity to perform only 10 Covid tests per week. 

“That information wasn’t fully correct. I have been told that between the hospital’s ER and their MD offices, those combined can only have 10 tests per day,” said Washington County Health Nurse Alicia Thompson. “This way the lab that they send them to is not overwhelmed.  We have other facilities in Washington County that also do CoVid testing. None of the sites is ISDH’s OptumServe site though.”

Ascension St. Vincent Salem confirmed they have been sending between 6 and 10 tests daily for testing. 

It is not known how many tests other offices are collecting. 

Increases in cases in other areas include: 

Lawrence County – 7.8 percent increase in the last week. 

Jackson County – 5.1 percent increase in the last week. 

Jennings County – 2.7 percent increase in the last week. 

Orange County – 6.2 percent increase in the last week. 

Washington County – 8.3 percent increase in the last week. 

Scott County – 14.3 percent in the last week. 

Clark County – 12 percent in the last week. 

Floyd County – 14.4 percent in the last week. 

Harrison County – 4.4 percent in the last week. 

Crawford County – 2.7 percent in the last week. 

To date, 666,283 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 654,413 on Wednesday.

It’s time to file to run for school board positions in Washington County. 

School Board filings for all three schools began on July 22^nd and will end at noon on August 21^st.

Openings for school board:

Salem At-Large (Gibson, Jefferson, Monroe, & Washington Townships)- 4 positions

Those in the Salem district that are up for reelection are Mark “Bubba” Abbott, Ericka Garloch, Ron Haendiges, and Dustin Davidson, who was appointed to finish out former board member Steve Motsinger’s term. 

East Washington- 2 positions- Polk township and Town of Pekin

Those up for re-election in the West Washington School District are:

Madison – Aaron Dennis; Vernon – Salvatore Sama and Posey – Brian Farmer

Masks will be required at Holiday World effective Monday, July 27 following Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-37 which requires the use of masks across the state of Indiana.

“From the time we developed our reopening plan, we have worked closely with the State of Indiana and our local health department for guidance on how to operate as safely as possible,” says park President Matt Eckert. “This is a natural next step, and we’re grateful for the guidance from the state.” 

Guests will be required to wear face coverings as they enter the gates, and in any indoor spaces in the park including roller coaster stations, gift shops, Pepsi Oases, and restroom buildings.

For full information and a list of locations where masks are required is available at www.holidayworld.com/2020Visit

Guests will not be required to wear their face coverings on any water rides, or in the midways as long as social distancing is possible.

In accordance with guidance from Indiana, children 7 and under will not need to wear masks in the park (though they are strongly recommended for children ages 2-7) and exceptions will be made for those with medical conditions.

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding with this matter,” said Sabrina Jones, media manager. 

Face masks will be available for $1, but Guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own face coverings.