Marion County COVID Updates Focus On Vaccination

Marion County officials gave an update Thursday on COVID-19 numbers, public health orders and vaccination efforts.

The county is experiencing a decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. The county also reported nearly 2,300 people are receiving vaccinations every day. 

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the number of Black and brown residents getting the shot is not equal. He said public health officials are focused on outreach to targeted groups.

“Addressing the obstacles presented by accessibility, transportation and a lack of trust, all of these must be addressed,” Hogsett said.

Among people 70 and older, 32 percent of white residents have received the vaccination compared to 19 percent of Black residents.

Officials said at the current rate, Marion County would have 80 percent of the population vaccinated by October.

Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine said she would like to double the number of people receiving the shot every day to achieve herd immunity by June.  She said there will be challenges in reaching that goal.

“We have the capacity,” Caine said. “What we will need is to get more vaccines from the federal government reaching our doorsteps.”

Caine also announced changes in public health orders to allow indoor nursing home visits, if a person has been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19.