Allen County health officials reminded the community June 5 that COVID-19 remains a problem as local hospitals have seen a steady increase in hospitalizations.

The Allen County Department of Health has continued to report increases in positive cases of COVID-19 in the community since March. And a steady uptick in weekly case averages has occurred since Gov. Eric Holcomb began announcing the reopening of Indiana in early May, according to a news release.

On June 5, the health department reported another 62 Allen County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Nearly 10% of those who tested positive as of June 3 exhibited none of the symptoms related to COVID-19: shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea and cough. COVID-19 has killed over 2,000 Hoosiers.

On June 7, the department reported another 32 Allen County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to 1,875 cases and 79 deaths.

“This virus is still present in the community and affecting many vulnerable populations,” Dr. Deborah McMahan, Allen County health commissioner, said in the June 5 release. “Please continue to use recommended precautions. Because many people can carry the virus without having any symptoms, these efforts are not just to protect yourself but everyone you come in contact with.”

“A comparison of two different two-week time periods — one toward the end of the strictest stay-at-home order guidelines (April 19 to May 2) and the other when Indiana started relaxing the order (May 18 to May 31) — found a nearly 54% increase in the average seven-day running total of cases, from 157 cases-per-period up to 241 cases-per-period,” according to the release.

Both Lutheran Health Network and Parkview Health have also seen an increase in hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients since mid-May, according to the release.

“In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, everyone must heed the practices we know help to keep everyone safe: social distancing of at least 6 feet, wearing a mask that covers both the mouth and nose while in public and thorough and frequent hand washing,” Vishal Bhatia, M.D., regional chief medical officer for Lutheran Health Network, said in the release. “We know doing these things increases safety for all and makes a significant impact. At Lutheran Health Network, we continue to abide by all local, state, federal and CDC guidelines as safety is our top priority.”

“As our region reopens, precautions such as social distancing, handwashing and mask-wearing are vital to help slow the spread of disease,” Jeffrey Boord, MD, MPH, chief quality and safety officer for Parkview Health, said in the release. “Our clinics and physician offices remain open, and our emergency departments and hospitals are ready to care for patients with COVID-19 and other concerns. All Parkview facilities have numerous safety measures in place. But healthcare providers can’t fight the virus alone. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant in following the recommended precautions for both their personal health and the health of our community.””