Indiana announced Wednesday it would not be extending vaccine registration to the next age group -- 60 and older -- this week. But health officials outlined what the phase after that looks like.

Preliminary totals from the Indiana Department of Health show nearly 77,000 died in the state last year -- an increase of almost 11,000 from 2019.

Noble County is mostly rural and sits in the northeast corner of Indiana. When local officials looked for vaccination sites, they sought a place that was centrally located and accessible.

The Indiana Department of Health reported 296 additional confirmed deaths over the last week, along with 1,507 historical deaths from a year-end audit. That brings the states total to 11,401 confirmed deaths.

The source of infection is not yet known and zoo staff are working with the Allen County Department of Health and the State Board of Animal Health to identify potential sources, according to officials.

The package provides schools with a direct line to roughly four times the amount of money than the original CARES Act. Many plan to use the funding to address learning loss and other ongoing needs exacerbated by the pandemic.

Patrons will be allowed inside the facilities to use computers, browse collections, pick up items they've placed on hold, and check out materials through self-service kiosks. Programming and events will remain online.

Legislation approved by the Senate Monday would give more power to local city or county leaders to overturn the actions of local health officials.

The COVID-19 vaccines hold promise for ending the pandemic, and millions of Americans have received at least one shot. But 39 percent aren't likely to get a vaccine, according to a December study from the Pew Research Center. One of the main reasons: a lack of trust in the research and development process.

The bill arose out of frustrations from some lawmakers about Gov. Eric Holcomb's COVID-19 restrictions.