Bartholomew County moves to high-spread COVID-19 category

Bartholomew County and most of the surrounding counties are now showing a high spread of COVID-19, according to the CDC.

Bartholomew, Jennings, Jackson, Johnson and Shelby counties all show high spread of the disease according to the CDC. Decatur County has a substantial spread of the disease and Brown County is showing a moderate spread.

High transmission means there are over 100 cases per 100-thousand people over a 7-day period, while substantial is 50 to 100 cases per 100-thousand. Bartholomew County had 103.8 cases per 100-thousand people over the last 7 days.

The CDC recommends you wear a mask indoors in areas of high or substantial spread of the disease, even if you are fully vaccinated. The Bartholomew County COVID-19 Task Force recommended this week that you practice social distancing, wear masks and wash and sanitize your hands whenever possible. And the task force is encouraging all eligible members of the community to get vaccinated.

According to CDC vaccination figures, 48.3 percent of the people in Bartholomew County are fully vaccinated. That remains the highest percentage in the area, with 42.2 percent in Brown County, 41.7 percent in Jackson, 39.6 in Decatur, 46.3 in Shelby and 47.6 percent in Johnson County. The lowest rate of those fully vaccinated in our area is Jennings County with 31.9 percent.