The IN State Dept. of Health says the number of confirmed cases of COVID in Jennings as of Wednesday morning is 2117. Deaths are at 44. Thursday, February 18, 2021
The IN State Dept. of Health says the number of confirmed cases of COVID in Jennings as of Wednesday morning is 2092. Deaths are at 43. Thursday, February 11, 2021
If you are 65 or older, a first responder or healthcare provider, you are now eligible to register for your COVID-19 vaccination. And that's not the only good news regarding the vaccine. Monday, February 8, 2021
To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate, that is the question.
If William Shakespeare could have predicted the global pandemic of 2020, it's likely he would have written a masterpiece about it. Perhaps it would have been akin to Romeo & Juliet, but instead of the Capulets vs. the Montagues, the plot would be centered around the question whether to vaccinate or not.
With two COVID-19 vaccines currently being distributed nationwide, there is a debate between members of the public on whether or not they will, or should, get the injection even when it becomes regularly available to the public.
If telephone calls to the JC Health Deartment are any indication, people in Jennings County are anxious, if not impatient, to get the COVID-19 vaccination.
"We are overwhelmed with calls," noted Public Health Nurse Pam Petry last week. It was right after the Indiana Department of Health announced that vaccines would be available for anyone 80 and over that the calls started flooding the office.
Her advice? Be patient.
Now, on Wednesday, Jan. 13, it may be announced that the vaccines will be available for those 70 and over. If this is announced, it will be put on our web site, plaindealer-sun.com. Wednesday, January 13, 2021
According to public health nurse Pam Petry at the Jennings County Health Department, 200 doses of the Moderna COVID vaccine, 100 on Thursday, Jan. 7 and 100 on Monday, Jan. 11 will arrive in Jennings - fingers crossed!
Then, once the department's computer system is set to schedule and administer these lifesaving shots, injections will be starting sometime next week for local targeted individuals.
If you are eligible to receive the vaccination but are unable to secure one of the 200 doses at the health department, fear not, you can still make an appointment at Columbus Regional Hospital.
On Monday, Jan. 4, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) approved first responders, such as firefighters and police officers, to be included in the category of people who are eligible to receive the vaccine. It was initially thought that people in the 75+ age range would be the next to receive the vaccine; however, vaccine eligibility is delegated by the ISDH, but that hasn't stopped the multiple phone calls the local health department experiences daily.
"It's a scarce resource," Petry said of the medicine and the department must take their orders from the state who determine what segment of the populaltion the shots can be administer to.
"As it changes we will let you know," the public health nurse said. Friday, January 8, 2021
School reopening plans for Jan. 5 did not change despite the Red status. Grades K-6 return to school daily with safety protocols in place since classrooms are able to maintain distancing and keep students in smaller groups.
For at least the first two weeks, grades 7-12 will return following the hybrid schedule to enable social distancing and smaller classes. Wednesday, January 6, 2021
The following are the general phases of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility set forth by the CDC. Note this can differ day-to-day and state-to-state: Wednesday, January 6, 2021
The Be Well Crisis Helpline recently passed an important milepost as it enters its sixth month of operation. The free service was launched in July to support the mental health needs of Hoosiers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service has answered more than 6,000 calls for help as it continues to provide 24/7 access to experienced and compassionate counselors, specially trained to help with the personal challenges that have come along with this pandemic.
According to public health nurse Pam Petry at the Jennings County Health Department, 200 doses of the Moderna COVID vaccine, 100 on Thursday, Jan. 7 and 100 on Monday, Jan. 11 will arrive in Jennings - fingers crossed!
Then, once the department's computer system is set to schedule and administer these lifesaving shots, injections will be starting sometime next week for local targeted individuals.
If you are eligible to receive the vaccination but are unable to secure one of the 200 doses at the health department, fear not, you can still make an appointment at Columbus Regional Hospital.
On Monday, Jan. 4, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) approved first responders, such as firefighters and police officers, to be included in the category of people who are eligible to receive the vaccine. It was initially thought that people in the 75+ age range would be the next to receive the vaccine; however, vaccine eligibility is delegated by the ISDH, but that hasn't stopped the multiple phone calls the local health department experiences daily.
"It's a scarce resource," Petry said of the medicine and the department must take their orders from the state who determine what segment of the populaltion the shots can be administer to. Wednesday, January 6, 2021
The Mask Up Jennings! educational campaign was inspired by a group of Jennings County community leaders and health professionals who are committed to fighting the spread and keeping our businesses open, students and teachers healthy, and healthcare workers protected. Wednesday, December 30, 2020
The long-awaited day has come: a vaccine for the novel coronavirus has been distributed and is on its way to being available to the public.
At present, only a selection of frontline healthcare staff associated with a hospital, long-term care staff, emergency medical services providers, special local health department staff, and dialysis center staff who have physical or close contact with patients or infectious material are eligible to register for the vaccine.
Vaccine-approved organizations and facilities in Jennings County include the JC Health Department, Autumn Trace, Majestic Care, and Rescue 20.
Board of Health Nurse Pam Petry was one of the first staff members at the local health department to receive the vaccination. The department will soon host a vaccination clinic once it becomes available to the public, so Petry traveled to Columbus Regional just a few days before Christmas for the first of two doses-both vaccines are a two-dose series. Wednesday, December 30, 2020
