Holcomb Won't Change Course Despite Spike In COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations

Gov. Eric Holcomb won’t reimpose any COVID-19 restrictions despite all of the state’s “guiding principles” heading in the wrong direction.

Hospitalizations are at levels not seen since May. The average number of new cases has jumped 82 percent since Holcomb rescinded almost all restrictions. The positivity rate has increased 32 percent in that time. And some hospital systems are experiencing staffing shortages.

But Holcomb stresses the need for personal responsibility.

“This ultimately comes down to our personal actions or inactions,” Holcomb said.

Holcomb said the state is focused on providing support to local communities that experience spikes in cases.

“Just like everything else we do around here, we have to look at the root causes," Holcomb said. "And assuming that some blanket response will solve it – that’s being proven inaccurate.”

Holcomb points to similar COVID-19 surges around the country and the world. The governor also continued his statewide mask order.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.