More than 53,000 Hoosiers over 80 signed up for a COVID-19 vaccine on the first day Elizabeth DePompei and Ethan May, Indianapolis Star
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Tens of thousands of Hoosiers 80 years and older scheduled appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine in the first hours of wider availability and some encountered problems.
The Indiana State Department of Health announced earlier this week that it would open vaccinations by age group, starting Friday with those 80 years old and older. Gov. Eric Holcomb said appointments could begin as early as Friday and into the weekend.
On Wednesday, the state released its plan to more widely distribute COVID-19 vaccines and the following day, Wabash announced it would open its vaccination site next week.
Meanwhile, Wabash Countyâs COVID-19 spread rating remains in the orange or second-highest category. The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) dashboard was updated Wednesday, Jan. 6 with results as of 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4. The county metrics map is updated at noon Wednesdays and reflects data through the previous Sunday.
State releases vaccine plan
On Wednesday, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and the ISDH announced that Hoosiers age 80 and older will be eligible to register for a free COVID-19 vaccine beginning Friday, Jan. 8.
Hoosiers 80 years old and older can schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine as of Friday morning, but just 15 minutes after the initial launch, the website and phone line to do so were at capacity. To promote a bug-free scheduling experience for all, we limit the number of people who can use the app at the same time, a message on the website read around 9:25 a.m. We apologize for this inconvenience and encourage you to try again soon, especially during slower times like early morning or late at night.
The automated message when calling 2-1-1 said maximum inbound call capacity had been reached.
Verbatim: Hoosier Guardsmen extended to assist long-term care facilities
The following was released on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020:
INDIANAPOLIS Indiana National Guard soldiers and airmen will continue their mission assisting long-term care facilities across Indiana in their battle against COVID-19.
Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb called upon Hoosier Guardsmen to help at the facilities in October with the first wave of troops arriving in November. He has now extended their mission until Feb. 28.
The National Guard will continue supporting the vast majority of long-term care facilities with more than 1,000 Guardsmen. Their work includes assisting with testing, reporting test results, screening employees and ensuring infection control practices are in place.
INDIANAPOLIS â Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston has tested positive for coronavirus.
According to a news release issued Thursday morning, Huston tested positive Wednesday and is quarantining at home per CDC guidelines.
Huston, R-Fishers, has only experienced mild symptoms and has not been in recent contact with legislative members or staff, according to the news release.
Huston has not been at the Statehouse within the last week.
âThe pandemic has impacted Hoosiers and their families across our state, especially in the recent surge of cases,â Huston said in a statement. âUnfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19 as well. I will continue quarantining at home and taking all necessary precautions. I look forward to returning to work when itâs safe to do so.â