The Indiana State Department of Health on Thursday reported another rise in statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
Hospitalizations increased from 2,244 on Tuesday to 2,317 on Wednesday, the highest number since Sept. 22. COVID patients now occupy 26.3% of Indiana’s intensive care unit beds.
The department reported 5,653 new cases of COVID-19, down from 6,164 the previous day. More than 500 cases were reported in Marion County.
The state also reported 27 more deaths from COVID, for a three-day total of 207. The newly reported deaths increased the overall pandemic death toll to 17,060.
More than 3.4 million Hoosiers had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday at 5 a.m. after a daily increase of 4,982. Meanwhile, more than 855,000 Hoosiers have already gotten vaccine boosters.
The department said 60.5% of Indiana residents 18 and older are fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 cases
*New COVID-19 cases: 5,653
Total cumulative cases: 1,112,735
COVID-19 deaths
New deaths: 27
Total cumulative deaths: 17,060
COVID-19 testing
New tested individuals: 9,767
Total cumulative tested individuals: 4,542,091
Cumulative positivity rate unique individuals: 24.4%
Cumulative positivity rate all tests: 8.7%
Seven-day positivity rate unique individuals: 22.8%**
Seven-day positivity rate all tests: 11.6%**
** The health department reports the 7-day positivity rates with a six-day lag to allow time for more comprehensive results.
County numbers
Marion County cumulative cases: 145,083 (increase of 512)
Marion County new deaths: 3
Marion County cumulative deaths: 2,237
Marion County 7-day positivity rate unique individuals: 17.6%
Marion County 7-day positivity rate all tests: 9.6%
Hamilton County cumulative cases: 50,838
Hendricks County cumulative cases: 26,181
Johnson County cumulative cases: 27,559
Madison County cumulative cases: 21,002
Boone County cumulative cases: 9,815
Hancock County cumulative cases: 13,061
Morgan County cumulative cases: 10,360
Shelby County cumulative cases: 8,210
COVID-19 vaccinations
Statewide totals (Dec. 14, 2020–Dec. 2, 2021)
First dose administered: 3,496,948 (daily increase of 4,582)
Fully vaccinated: 3,446,898 (daily increase of 4,982)
Booster doses: 855,277 (daily increase of 22,690)
Indiana intensive care unit usage
ICU beds in use by COVID-19 patients: 26.3%
Available ICU beds: 19%