INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (January 11, 2021) – The Indiana Department of Health announced Monday that a new strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been identified in Indiana.
The COVID-19 strain, which was identified through testing at the Department of Health laboratory and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the same one identified in the United Kingdom last fall. It does not cause more severe infections, but it is much more easily spread.
“It’s common for viruses to mutate, and we are seeing that occur with COVID-19,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “Because this strain of the virus can be transmitted more easily, it’s more important than ever that Hoosiers continue to wear their masks, practice social distancing, maintain good hygiene, and get vaccinated when they are eligible.”
To date, 2,762,573 unique individuals have been tested in Indiana. A total of 6,140,884 tests, including repeat tests for unique individuals, have been reported to the state Department of Health since February 26.
To find testing sites around the state, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov and click on the COVID-19 testing information link. Hoosiers age 80 and older, along with healthcare workers and first responders, are now eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. To find an appointment, go to https://ourshot.in.gov.
Nearly 194,000 Hoosiers have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly 24,000 have received both doses and are fully vaccinated. The Indiana Department of Health has created a vaccine dashboard that will show the latest number of vaccines administered. The dashboard will be updated daily beginning Monday, January 11.
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