(INDIANAPOLIS) – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb spoke to Hoosiers on Monday to give an update on the state’s efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
For the first time, Holcomb gave the address virtually.
Holcomb announced on Monday that he signed an executive order removing some regulatory barriers to help Indiana get ready for an expected surge in patients.
Gov. Holcomb also sent a letter to President Trump to declare a major disaster declaration for Indiana to free up some federal funds.
Health officials expect Indiana’s peak in cases to happen in mid-April to mid-May.
Construction of new hospitals to help meet demand may happen if they are needed.
Right now, Indiana has 1,940 critical care beds and 1,777 ventilators available. They’re hoping to double the number of both by the time the surge in patients happens.
Retired physicians are being asked to step in to help, and many already have answered the call. If you are a retired physician who would like to help, you can take a volunteer survey on the state’s website.
Monday morning, new numbers from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) showed a total of 1,786 cases in Indiana, with 35 deaths reported.
According to Dr. Kristina Box, off those that have passed from the virus, 86 percent were over the age of 60 and 40 percent were over the age of 80. Of those 66 percent were men and 34 percent women.
More than 11,000 people have been tested statewide.
