Four more Wayne County residents’ deaths have been related to COVID-19, with one of the new victims in their 30s, according to Wayne County Health Department Executive Director Christine Stinson.

That person is the county’s youngest COVID-related fatality since the pandemic began in March 2020.

Stinson shared the news of the newest deaths with Wayne County Commissioners on Wednesday morning (Sept. 8) at their weekly meeting in Richmond.

Stinson’s announcement came before Indiana’s data is announced weekdays at noon on the state Department of Health website at www.coronavirus.in.gov. 

Stinson had sent out a news release Tuesday afternoon announcing three deaths attributed to the virus, with one person in their mid-40s, one who was 60 years old, and one who was in their early 70s. None of those three were vaccinated, Stinson said.

Wayne County attributes first death in 40s age group to COVID; nearly 70 kids test positive over weekend | Hometown Media Group (hmgccity.com)

Local cases are surging because of the more contagious Delta variant, with approximately 100 new cases being reported each weekday.

In addition to testing and vaccinations being available through local county health departments, pharmacies and medical providers, Indiana Department of Health is sending a team back to Richmond’s Ivy Tech campus to offer tests and vaccinations from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Sept. 11, at the north lot at 2357 Chester Blvd. No appointment is necessary.

The team will offer PCR tests with higher accuracy as well as the rapid antigen tests for quicker results when symptoms are present.

Adult Hoosiers seeking a vaccine can choose either the two-dose Pfizer vaccine or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot. Those ages 12 to 17 can get the Pfizer vaccine.

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