COVID-19 Timeline

China informs WHO about “pneumonia” cases

Chinese officials provide information to WHO on the cluster of cases of “viral pneumonia of unknown cause” identified in Wuhan.

WHO tweets to the world about mystery pneumonia cases in Wuhan

WHO tweets that no deaths have resulted from the cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, while investigating the cause of the illness.

The Indianapolis Star publishes an article about a ‘mystery disease’

The Indianapolis Star mentions the new ‘mystery disease,’ referring to the 44 cases of a new virus in Wuhan, China and 5 cases in Hong Kong. 

The U.S. reports its first confirmed COVID-19 case

A 30-year-old man who had recently visited Wuhan tests positive in Washington State. By April, fatal cases of COVID-19 are discovered in California as early as February 6.

Regenstrief team creates unique codes for virus tracking

The Regenstrief Institute’s LOINC team begins to create a series of codes to track cases of the novel coronavirus in the U.S. and across the globe.

State health officials on alert

State public health officials monitor 26 people in Indiana due to recent travel.

WHO declares Covid-19 a global health emergency

The World Health Organization declares the novel coronavirus a global issue after the virus reaches multiple countries including the United States. 

U.S. government declares COVID-19 a public health emergency

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar declares a public health emergency for the entire United States, giving state, tribal, and local health departments greater flexibility in responding to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

WHO officially names the new coronavirus disease “COVID-19”

Following best practices the WHO chooses to name the disease caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 to avoid inaccuracy and stigma associated with tying the name to a geographical area, animal, individual, or group of people.

Indianapolis residents attend superspreader event

At least two Indianapolis residents attend the BioGen Conference in Boston, later identified as a ‘superspreader’ event.  

Indiana initiates Pandemic Preparedness Plan

The Indiana State Department of Health puts its Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan into practice to respond to coronavirus. The agency establishes a call center for those with risk factors.

Indiana confirms its first COVID-19 case

A Marion County resident, likely infected in February at the Biogen conference in Boston, tests positive for a mild case of COVID-19.  State health officials do not see evidence of community spread.  

A public health emergency is declared for Indiana

Governor Eric Holcomb declares a public health emergency in Indiana after the first confirmed case. The executive order opens the door to federal funding to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Healthcare changes begin in area institutions

As part of new efforts to limit potential exposure to COVID-19, Indianapolis area nursing homes and healthcare providers begin to limit visitors. In addition, IU Health offers a Virtual Screening service.

Second positive case of COVID-19 in Indiana

The Indiana State Department of Health announces that a Hendricks County resident and BioGen conference attendee tests positive for COVID-19.

Avon Community Schools close for two weeks

Avon announces the closure of all of its schools after one student tests positive for COVID-19 and another student shows symptoms, becoming the first school system in Indiana to close due to the novel coronavirus.  

IU, Purdue, others announce move to virtual classes

Indiana and Purdue universities announce that students returning from spring break on March 23 will do so online.

World Health Organization declares the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak a global pandemic

The World Health Organization officially declares a global pandemic after the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads across international borders and infects large numbers of people, causing the COVID-19 disease.

NCAA cancels remaining 2020 winter and spring championships

As Michigan and Rutgers warm up for the noon tipoff of their game, the Big Ten cancels its men’s basketball tournament. Within a few hours, Indianapolis-based NCAA announces it will cancel its men’s and women’s tournaments.

Indiana restricts gatherings

Governor Eric Holcomb announces COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential gatherings and asks schools to prepare for broad closures.

United Way unveils Central Indiana COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund

The C-CERF Task Force works with community organizations to help ensure support of central Indiana residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

President Trump declares national emergency over coronavirus

Trump’s declaration allows the federal government to tap up to $50 billion in emergency relief funds, loosens regulations on the provision of healthcare, speeds up testing, and waives interest on all student loans.  

Roche Diagnostics receives FDA’s emergency use authorization for a swab test for the novel coronavirus

Roche expects to make milions of swab test a month available in response to the pandemic. The tests run on Roche’s cobas 6800/8800 high-throughput molecular testing systems, delivering results in three and half hours.

Indianapolis public library closes

The Indianapolis Marion County Public Library closes in an effort to help prevent the spread of the virus. All library locations, as well as bookmobile services, suspend services and extend due dates for materials.

First COVID-19 death in Indiana

Roberta Shelton, a 69-year-old Marion County woman, dies at a Community Health Network hospital.  

Gov. Holcomb issues new directive regarding group size and restaurants

The new order limits gatherings to less than 50 and activates the Indiana National Guard. All restaurants must cease serving food to dine-in customers but may continue to offer food via carry-out, delivery, or drive-thru.

Mayor Hogsett declares local disaster emergency

Mayor Joe Hogsett declares a “local disaster emergency,” limiting travel and closing bars, entertainment venues, and certain businesses like gyms and movie theaters.

Eli Lilly begins testing

Eli Lilly & Company announces it will start coronavirus testing with same-day or overnight results.

Indiana schools must close and landlords may not evict tenants

Governor Eric Holcomb orders all Indiana schools to remain closed until at least May 1. He also announces a ban on utility shut-offs as well as evictions and foreclosures during the crisis.

State primary moved to June 2

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signs an executive order to move the primary election from May 5 to June 2. Steps are taken to ensure that all Hoosiers have the option to vote by mail.

Chinese community donates masks and money to fight COVID-19

Carmel’s Chinese community bands together to help medical personnel.

Governor Holcomb orders state shutdown

Governor Eric Holcomb issues stay-at-home orders for Indiana residents for two weeks. Exceptions extend to essential workers and essential trips such as for groceries or doctor appointments. 

Polis Center at IUPUI launches the Coronavirus Data Hub

The Polis Center’s geoinformatics, health informatics, and community informatics teams create maps, dashboards, and datasets to aid practitioners and policymakers during the COVID-19 public health crisis.  

The U.S. Congress passes the CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provides relief through stimulus payments, extended unemployment provisions, small business relief, extra funds for hospitals and health care, and more. 

IndyGo reduces scheduled service

IndyGo reduces its scheduled service, suspends all transit fares, and implements new safety measures such as rear door entry only with the exception of wheelchair users.

Indy Chamber provides Rapid Response Loans

Business Ownership Initiative, a program of Indy Chamber administers the Rapid Response Loan Fund to businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic. The loans will help businesses pay employee salaries and insurance premiums, or serve as a bridge loan.

Governor’s executive order details plan for COVID-19 spike

Due to the expected surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Holcomb eliminates licensing barriers for healthcare professionals who wish to assist in screenings, telemedicine, and other basic procedures.

Physicians and skilled health professionals volunteer

More than 11,000 clinicians, including paramedics, dentists, veterinarians, therapists, and midwives, volunteer their expertise to assist overwhelmed hospitals by sterilizing instruments or overseeing telehealth operations.

Dallara IndyCar Factory assists in fight against COVID-19

The Dallara IndyCar Factory uses its Eastman Machine, typically used to cut carbon fiber for IndyCar chassis, to cut fabric for medical gowns and masks.

City parks to host overflow shelters for homeless

Because crowded homeless shelters cannot offer the required space for social distancing, the city sets up temporary shelters in Garfield and Washington Parks. 

First death of a city employee

Municipal employee Donnell Blakely becomes the first city employee to die of COVID-19. Blakley’s union leader acknowledges that some other members of AFSCME 962 union are seriously ill with the COVID-19 disease.

Governor extends stay-at-home order and adds certain restrictions

Governor Holcomb extends the stay-at-home order for two weeks and compels non-essential businesses to operate online or via curbside transactions only. Campgrounds must close and employers must adhere to employee safety regulations. 

Kheprw Institute awards its first LEAD recipient

The Kheprw Institute launches the LEAD (Local Entrepreneur & Artist Direct) Support Fund to help entrepreneurs and artists that have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund provides $500 emergency grants through a random drawing.

Indiana Black Legislative Caucus urges Governor Holcomb to address COVID-19 disparities in African Americans

As 9.8 percent of the state’s population, the group count as nearly 20 percent of all deaths and positive cases.  

Protesters call for end to stay at home order

Hundreds of Hoosiers gather in front of the Governor’s Residence to protest Indiana’s stay at home order. 

Regenstrief Institute launches hospitalization data dashboard

The dashboard provides data on patients’ course of care through healthcare systems in Indiana.

Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, Circle City Classic canceled

IBE cancels the Circle City Classic, a football game between two historically black colleges or universities since 1984, along with the Summer Celebration, the largest ethnic–cultural event in the United States.

COVID-19 death toll hits 1,000 in Indiana

In its daily update, the Indiana State Department of Health announces 43 additional deaths, pushing the state’s pandemic death toll to 1,007, just 45 days after its first death.

Marion County statistics through April 2020

Indianapolis/Marion County extends stay-at-home order to May 15

Faced with the highest number of cases and deaths in the state–100 new cases a day, Mayor Joe Hogsett announces the city will remain closed for an additional 11 days beyond the state beginning of Phase 2 on May 4.

Roadmap to Reopen Indiana for Hoosiers, Businesses, and State Government

Governor Eric Holcomb reveals a 5-stage plan to reopen the state in executive order 20-26. Stage 1 retains the current restrictions and limitations, while stages 2 through 5 allow for the incremental opening of additional businesses and entities.

Crowds gather at Statehouse to protest stay-at-home orders

Approximately 300 Hoosiers gather to protest the extension of stay-at-home orders and the plan to open Indiana’s economy in stages.  

Speedway Arts Council launches “It’s Still May” in Speedway campaign

The campain encourages Speedway residents to demonstrate civic pride through porch and window decorations amidst COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.   

20,000 COVID-19 cases in Indiana

More than 20,000 Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Marion County continues to have the highest number of new deaths (363) and new cases (6,327) in the state.

Indiana enters phase 2 of the reopening plan

Stage two of the plan lessens restrictions on businesses, travel, and gathering sizes for religious institutions. Some malls around the state open with restrictions.

Indiana’s Chinese sister-state, Zheijiang province donates to COVID-19 relief

Charlie Cai, CEO of Westfield Outdoors and China-based exporter Zhejiang Hengfeng Top Leisure donate 100,000 surgical masks and 5,000 isolation suits to the state of Indiana.  

IU Health physicians join Mayo study for treatment of COVID-19

Indiana University doctors join a study of transfusing plasma from recovered patients into seriously ill patients to determine if antibodies are present at levels high enough to assist in fighting the disease.

Indiana enters stage 3 of reopening plan

Stage 3 increases the size of gatherings and allows gyms, fitness centers, community pools, campgrounds, and other recreational facilities to open provided they maintain social distancing restrictions and sanitation guidelines.

An unprecedented number of Indiana voters request an absentee ballot

By May 22, about 495,000 Hoosiers apply for an absentee ballot. In the 2016 primary, only about 53,800 Hoosiers statewide voted by mail. 

Large numbers of public protesters fuel fears of virus spread

Still raw from the Indianaplis police shooting death of Dreasjon Reed, a 21-year old Black man, city residents fill downtown streets to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, sparking fears of COVID-19 spread. 

Marion County statistics through May 2020

Lilly announces start of clinical trial of the first specific treatment for COVID-19

Lilly, AbCellera, and the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases collaborate on the development of LY-CoV555, a drug that specifically targets the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Indiana hits 2,000 deaths due to COVID-19

The virus claims the lives of 2,000 Hoosiers across the state.

Problems plague the delayed primary election

With too few volunteers to staff polling places, long lines cause some Marion County citizens to skip casting their vote. By voting day, some people who requested paper ballots do not receive them.

Indiana State Fair canceled

The State Fair Commission and Board cancels the 2020 Indiana State Fair due to COVID-19 concerns. The fair still offers an augmented 4-H livestock show to highlight the 4-H youth projects.

Indiana moves to Stage 4 of the reopening plan

Governor Holcomb allows professional office building, retail store, and mall employees to work at full capacity. Dining room food service opens at 75 percent capacity, while bars, cultural and tourism sites, and entertainment facilities operate at 50 percent capacity. 

Two weeks after the Primary election absentee ballots remain uncounted

A substantial number of Marion County residents elect to vote via absentee ballot, overwhelming the Marion County Clerk’s Office. An unprecedented 1,800 absentee ballots remain uncounted. 

Indiana Women’s Prison inmates face dangerous conditions amid COVID-19 protocols

The Indiana Women’s Prison quarantines inmates in their cells to prevent the spread of COVID-19, however, many cells lack toilets, running water, or air conditioning, prompting concern among advocates for the welfare of the inmates.

Marion County statistics through June 2020

Governor Holcomb encourages Hoosier to wear masks

Governor launches the Mask Up, Indiana! campaign as a means of persuading people of the importance of masks in slowing the spread of the virus.

Indianapolis mask mandate

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett orders people to wear masks indoors and outdoors where social distancing is not possible. 

Indiana launches helpline for support during pandemic

COVID-19 increases the number of mental health-related issues across Indiana, prompting the launch of the Be Well Crisis Helpline.

Statewide mask mandate begins

Despite protests, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signs an executive order requiring masks for all Hoosiers eight years and older.

Avon Community Schools become first to restart in-person classes

Avon Community Schools restart in-person classes for the 2020-2021 school year. Other area schools make individual choices whether to hold in-person, virtual, or hybrid classes.

Marion County statistics through July 2020

Indianapolis 500 takes place despite COVID-19

The delayed Indianapolis 500 takes place on August 23rd without fans for the first time in its 109 year history. Takuma Sato wins the 104th Indianapolis 500.

COVID-19 death toll hits 3,000 in Indiana

The virus claims the lives of 3,000 Hoosiers across the state. 

Indiana launches long term care dashboard

After months of criticism, the Indiana State Department of Health creates and launches the Long Term Care Dashboard to help Hoosiers track COVID-19 case numbers and deaths. 

Marion County statistics through August 2020

COVID-19 hits Hispanic/Latino community hard

The Latino Alliance asks the City of Indianapolis to take greater action to aid the Latino community after the Marion County Public Health Department shows COVID-19 disproportionately affects Hispanic/Latino residents.  

Indiana enters stage 5 of reopening plan

Stage 5 of Indiana’s reopening plan removes size limitations for social gatherings. Restaurants, bars, indoor and outdoor venues, and fitness centers may open at full capacity. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to provide visitation opportunities.

Marion County statistics through September 2020

Indiana Department of health releases vaccination plan

To combat COVID-19 the Indiana Department of Health announces plans to reinforce and support the healthcare infrastructure, protect the vulnerable, mitigate the spread, and vaccinate the general public.  

COVID-19 death toll hits 4,000 in Indiana

The virus claims the lives of 4,000 Hoosiers across the state.

Marion County statistics through October 2020

200,000 COVID-19 cases in Indiana

The number of COVID-19 cases across Indiana hits 200,000. 

Social gathering limits reinstated in Indiana

Governor Holcomb reinstates social gathering restrictions in Indiana due to an increased number of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations.  

COVID-19 death toll hits 5,000 in Indiana

The virus claims the lives of 5,000 Hoosiers across the state.

Indiana hits 300,000 COVID-19 cases

The number of COVID-19 cases across Indiana increases by 100,000 within a month. 

Marion County statistics through November 2020

COVID-19 death toll hits 6,000 in Indiana

The virus claims the lives of 6,000 Hoosiers across the state.

FDA approves vaccine emergency use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues the first emergency use authorization for a vaccine for COVID-19. The authorization allows distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older.

Indiana hospital administers first COVID-19 vaccine

Six frontline healthcare workers become the first in Indiana to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from Parkview Health. 

First vaccine given in Indianapolis

An Indianapolis physician becomes the first to receive the vaccine after IU Health receives ​an initial dose of 1,950 vaccines.

FDA approves Moderna vaccine for emergency use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for use in individuals 18 years of age and older.

Black doctor dies of COVID-19 after alleging mistreatment at Indiana hospital

Black physician Dr. Susan Moore dies after chronicling on Facebook her multiple hospitalizations and alleging the racially motivated delays in the treatment and diagnosis of COVID-19 at IU Health North and later at Ascension-St. Vincent Carmel.

COVID-19 death toll reaches 7,000 in Indiana

The virus claims the lives of 7,000 Hoosiers across the state.

Indiana hits 500,000 COVID-19 cases

Over the course of a month, the number of COVID-19 cases increases by 200,000. 

Many Indianapolis businesses close throughout 2020 due to the pandemic

Numerous locally owned and national chain restaurants and retail stores, including local staple Costumes by Margie in business for 50 years, succumb to the harsh business climate in the wake of COVID-19.

Marion County statistics through December 2020

NCAA announces that Central Indiana will host the entire 2021 tournament

To control COVID-19 safety logistics around the men’s basketball tournament, the NCAA and city of Indianapolis plan to contain the entire 68-team tournament to six sites–four of them in Indianapolis.

Indiana leaders stress mental health awareness amid pandemic

Since its inception on July 20, 2020, the Be Well Crisis helpline receives more than 6,000 calls from Hoosiers regarding stress, anxiety, loneliness, or mental health strains due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccine expands to 80 and up in Indiana

Indiana prioritizes COVID-19 vaccinations by age, with the exception of those with certain underlying health conditions. Residents age 80 and older are now able to register for their vaccines. 

COVID-19 death toll hits 9,000 in Indiana

The virus claims the lives of 9,000 Hoosiers across the state.

Marion County statistics through January 2021

Indiana hits 10,000 (and 11,000) deaths due to COVID-19

The reported death toll jumps from 9,713 on February 3 to 11,231 on February 4 due to the Indiana State Department of Health discovering approximately 1,500 additional deaths attributable to COVID, 1,200 of which happened in 2020.

COVID-19 death toll hits 12,000 in Indiana

The virus claims the lives of 12,000 Hoosiers across the state.

FDA approves Johnson & Johnson vaccine emergency use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for use in the U.S to people 18 years of age and older.

Marion County statistics through February 2021

1 million Indiana residents get vaccine

Over one million Hoosiers receive either their first dose or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, nearly half of which are in the 70 and above age range. Marion County leads with the highest number of vaccinated people in the state.

Mass vaccination clinic opens at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway partners with the Indiana Department of Health to host a three-day mass vaccination clinic for Hoosiers ages 55 and up. The clinic offers the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

One million Hoosiers are fully vaccinated

Three months into the state’s rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Indiana Department of Health says more than 1 million Hoosiers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Vaccine expands to 16 and up in Indiana

Over the last three months, the COVID-19 vaccination has slowly opened to more age groups beginning with those 70 and up on January 13, 2021, to those residents 16 and older at the end of March, 2021. 

Marion County statistics through March 2021

Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts additional mass vaccination clinics

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health team up once again with the Indiana Department of Health to host several multi-day mass vaccination clinics. The clinics (April 1-3, April 13-18, and April 24-30) provide the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine for Hoosiers age 18 and older. 

Indiana lifts mask mandate

Governor Holcomb ends Indiana’s mask mandate with the exception of in all state buildings and facilities, vaccination and COVID testing sites, and K-12 schools through the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. Marion County continues to require masks be worn. 

Ascension St. Vincent medical professionals train Indiana National Guard soldiers

Indiana National Guard soldiers collaborate with Ascension St. Vincent to create a plan to prevent exhaustion of a hospital’s resources in the event of a patient surge.  

J & J vaccine on pause due to multiple cases of blood clots

The FDA investigates the cases of six women who suffered a rare blood clot linked to the J & J vaccine, interrupting its use for the moment. Accordingly, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway mass vaccination clinics switch to the two-dose Moderna vaccine.

J & J vaccine use resumes

The FDA and CDC determine the risk of adverse side effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (15 out of 8 million people suffered blood clots or death) minimal enough to resume its use. 

Marion County statistics through April 2021

Indiana boasts over 2 million fully vaccinated residents

The number of fully vaccinated Hoosiers reaches 2,110,729. Marion County counts 267,177 fully vaccinated residents. 

Vaccine expands to 12 and up in Indiana

The Indiana Department of Health opens vaccinations to children between the ages of 12 and 15. The FDA gives approval of only the Pfizer vaccine to this young age group. 

New guidelines for vaccinated people

The CDC announces that fully vaccinated people may stop wearing masks, but must still practice social distancing. Mask mandates in Marion County remain in place for all residents. 

Indiana University requires vaccine

All Indiana University campuses require full vaccination of students, faculty, and staff before returning to campus. A group of students later files a federal lawsuit alleging that the requirement violates the Fourteenth Amendment.

Nearly 2.5 million Indiana residents get vaccine

Fully vaccinated Hoosiers number 2,424,633. Marion County reaches 322,087 fully vaccinated residents. 

The federal government provides Indianapolis with $420 million relief funding

The funding provides relief for coronavirus-related expenses over the next two years. Another $32 million provides for rental assistance. 

Indy 500 draws thousands of fans

The Indy 500 attracts 135,000 fans, reaching about 40 percent of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s capacity. Despite the mask mandate, many fans remain unmasked. 

Marion County statistics through May 2021

IU Health requires vaccine for employees

Indiana University Health requires full vaccination of all its employees by September 1, 2021.  

COVID-19 variants make it to the U.S.

The Delta variant, first detected in India, spreads to the United States and makes up about 6 percent of all COVID-19 cases. The variant causes more severe symptoms, but current vaccines demonstrate 90 percent effectiveness against it. 

Marion County ends mask mandate

The Indianapolis City-County Council ends the mask mandate for fully vaccinated residents, though unvaccinated residents must still wear masks. Hospitals, airports, public transportation, municipal buildings, and some businesses continue to mandate masks regardless of vaccination status.  

Community Health requires vaccine for employees

The Community Health System requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by September 15. 

Indiana receives $40 million from CDC

Indiana uses the federal funds towards improving COVID testing and contact tracing for higher-risk, underserved populations as well as reducing COVID-19-related health disparities.   

Marion County offers incentives for getting vaccinated

With vaccination rates dropping, the city tries to boost rates through prize incentives such as Indianapolis Colts season tickets, a signed Peyton Manning jersey, Pacers half-season pass, and Children’s Museum tickets.  

Delta variant reaches Indiana

Indiana sees 97 cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19.  

Butler University requires vaccine

Butler requires its students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated in order to return to campus. In addition, it relaxes mask and social distancing policies. 

Temporary resumption in federal pandemic unemployment programs

Marion County Superior Judge John Hanley temporarily halts Governor Eric Holcomb’s decision to end the state’s participation in federal unemployment insurance programs.

Marion County statistics through June 2021

Indiana University vaccination mandate upheld

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana upholds the vaccination requirement despite eight students’ argument that their 14th Amendment rights would be violated.

Marion County statistics through July 2021

Third dose of vaccine available for immunocompromised individuals

The FDA authorizes a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for immunocompromised individuals, including people undergoing cancer treatment and those who have received organ transplants.

Indiana Supreme Court ends eviction moratorium

The Indiana Supreme Court blocks President Joe Biden’s extension of the eviction moratorium by another 60 days in areas with high transmission of the coronavirus. 

Marion County statistics through August 2021

IU Health suspends unvaccinated employees

IU Health suspends fewer than 300 of its nearly 36,000 employees for failing to meet the September 1, 2021 deadline for full vaccination. 

COVID-19 patients strain Indiana hospitals as virus surges

Some Indiana hospitals resort to suspending all elective inpatient procedures and diverting ambulances away from emergency rooms and intensive care units to cope with the rapid surge in COVID-19 patients fueled by the Delta variant. 

Dozens protest vaccine mandate in the workplace

Some Hoosiers unsure of the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine protest vaccine mandates in the workplace during a “medical freedom” rally at the Indiana Statehouse.

COVID booster available to more individuals

The CDC recommends booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine for people over the age of 65 and those in long-term care facilities to counter waning immunity in those populations.

Indiana National Guard deploys soldiers to aid state hospitals

The Indiana National Guard partners with the Indiana Department of Health to create 5 teams of 10 members each, all fully vaccinated to help short-staffed hospitals.  

Indiana surpasses 15,000 deaths since start of pandemic

Since the pandemic began more than a year and a half ago, Indiana loses 1 in every 445 Hoosiers (given Indiana’s population of 6.7 million) in coronavirus deaths.

Marion County statistics through September 2021

Pandemic related price increases delay Indianapolis library branch openings

The price of construction materials and labor delay the opening of the Indianapolis Public Library branches at Fort Ben and Broad Ripple.

Marion County statistics through October 2021

Marion County statistics through November 2021

Omicron variant reaches Indiana

The omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is reported in Indiana in a specimen collected from an unvaccinated resident.

FEMA sends U.S. Navy assistance to Methodist Hospital

A 23-person U.S. Navy medical team is sent to Methodist Hospital for 30 days to help relieve staff overwhelmed by COVID-19 related cases.

CDC shortens isolation restrictions

Isolation restrictions for people infected with COVID-19 are reduced from 10 days to 5 days. The decrease is due to the evidence that coronavirus is most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

Franciscan Health limits visitors

Franciscan Health hospitals in Indianapolis and Mooresville implement new visitation guidelines due to the increase in the volume of inpatients with the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus. Patients are only permitted one visitor each day.

Marion County statistics through December 2021

COVID-19 tests provided free by the U.S. government

In an attempt to address shortages of COVID-19 tests, the U.S. government launches the federal testing website where citizens can request to be sent four free COVID-19 tests per household.

Marion County statistics through January 2022

IPS begins offering free rapid testing

To keep staff and students safe, Indianapolis Public Schools is offering free voluntary PCR and rapid testing at several locations. The testing sites are available before and after school to IPS staff, students and families, as well as the general public.

Lilly drug receives Emergency Use Authorization for the treatment of COVID-19

The Food and Drug Administration authorizes Eli Lilly’s new antibody drug, bebtelovimab, that targets the omicron variant of COVID-19. The drug is intended for adults and adolescent patients with mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19.

Central Indiana schools lift mask mandates

Noblesville and Carmel Clay schools roll back mask mandates due to a decrease in quarantines and positive cases across the district. Masks will now be optional in school, but Federal guidelines still require students and staff to wear masks while on school buses.

CDC eases mask restrictions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have eased mask recommendations in response to declining case counts and hospitalizations. People living in counties where the coronavirus is posing a low or medium threat to hospitals can stop wearing masks. Masks will still be required on public transportation.

Marion County statistics through February 2022

IPS schools make face masks optional

Indianapolis Public Schools make face masks optional for students, staff, and visitors as COVID-19 cases decline across the country. The district also plans to end social distancing, contact tracing, and quarantine protocols in schools.

Indianapolis Public Library ends mask requirement

The library, which has already brought back in-person programming, no longer requires masks inside its buildings. Other organizations around Indiana have also begun to relax their mask requirements including Ball State University, Indy Parks, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and Purdue University.

IPS hosts a free vaccine clinic

MDWise, The Indiana Immunization Coalition and Indianapolis Public Schools hold a free “Back on Track” clinic at Crispus Attucks High School to allow children to update routine childhood vaccinations that were delayed or canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic.