ELKHART – Although dropping after peaking in January, the COVID-19 positivity rate in Elkhart County remains near record highs nearly two years after the state declared a public health emergency in course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The seven-day average positive test rate was 29.4% as of Jan. 27, after hitting 35.6% a week earlier, according to the latest state data. Two deaths were reported at this time.
Preliminary data from last week suggests a further decline, although the numbers are still above the November 2020 peak of 24.5%. Elkhart remains at the red advisory level, like all counties in Indiana.
Governor Eric Holcomb first declared a public health emergency on March 6, 2020. He renewed it for the 23rd time on Tuesday.
Local leaders say they hope the infection rate will continue to improve.
“Progress takes time. But it’s a wonderful place to be in Elkhart County,” said Suzie Weirick, chair of the Elkhart County Board of Commissioners.
But it’s hard to ignore the fact that the burden on the healthcare system remains high, according to Dr Dan Nafziger, chief medical officer at Goshen Hospital.
“The number of cases has started to drop significantly and although we have seen a slight downward trend in the number of people hospitalized, our health system is still under significant pressure,” he said. “Staffing remains extremely weak in several areas and our colleagues may fall ill like others in our community.”
He also pointed out that a downtrend line doesn’t tell the whole story.
“It’s worth remembering that the number of people who get sick or die as we reach the top of a wave is about the same as the number of people who get sick or die as we come back down to a new wave. reference”, Nafziger mentioned. “I would continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated or boosted, to wear a mask in indoor public places and to stay safe.”
Elkhart Councilman Aaron Mishler expressed similar concerns.
“Let’s hope the data continues to drop and we’re heading towards the end of this all-consuming pandemic,” he said. “Our hospitals continue to struggle, and we should all continue to encourage the life-saving vaccine and follow CDC recommendations. We are the city with a heart, we walked through this recent weather event together, and I know this is how we will continue to navigate this pandemic.
Weirick highlighted steps the county has taken to revamp its health department and board of health with near-term public health prospects in mind. The department has hired an interim health officer and the council has filled a number of vacancies after a series of departures last year, some to protest elected officials’ handling of the pandemic response.
Dr. Richard Hostetter has been hired as acting health officer and Melanie Sizemore has been appointed health administrator.
“The Acting Health Officer works closely with hospitals to manage COVID, but also works with ECPH staff to manage complicated TB cases, WIC clinics and other aspects of public health. until we find a permanent agent,” Weirick said. “Our Public Health Administrator is performing well in her new role and assessing our strengths and opportunities on the public health management side. This will come in handy when we learn what the Governor’s Public Health Commission is learning and planning to support local health departments.
She added that the board has “really stepped up and is now very active and supportive of the staff and our future”.
“They are the ones who work with the commissioners and the council to ask the tough questions and I am sure there will be further steps ahead,” Weirick said. “Progress takes time, but the future of public health in Elkhart County has never been stronger.”
