IndyStar

Indiana's testing for the novel coronavirus has increased rapidly, with 3,356 tests having been administered as of Wednesday vs. 243 a week ago, state officials said.

That update came from a news conference during which Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and other state officials also touched on issues such as the need for medical supplies, the challenges of e-learning, childcare and questions about the state's multibillion-dollar surplus.

Earlier in the day, the Indiana State Department of Health reported 115 new state cases of the coronavirus, with the count rising to 477 from 365 in just one day. Two additional deaths were recorded, bringing the state total to 14.

Some highlights from the afternoon news conference:

Fourteen percent of people tested for the virus are testing positive, which Indiana State Health Commissioner Kristina Box said is ”expected, because we’re testing the highest risk individuals.”

Box said the state could start releasing more demographic information and hospitalization data soon. She called it "a very strong goal of ours.”

The state received its second allotment from the Strategic National Stockpile of supplies, which included truckloads of gowns, masks, gloves and face shields. Those supplies will be distributed to hospital systems with the greatest need.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick said the state's Department of Education has determined four priorities: ensuring essential resources get to schools; providing academic support; engaging educators; and preparing guidance for our schools and districts so that they can prepare to operate now and in the future. All Indiana schools are closed until at least May 1.

On expanding childcare for families, McCormick said the state is identifying counties with the greatest need. The last survey, taken earlier this month, showed that 50% of districts had some sort of childcare available in their communities. “Our charge under the governor is to expand that," McCormick said.

State Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger said in reference to the pandemic that “Indiana has been prepared for this type of event,” citing the state's AAA credit rating, cash reserves and balanced budget. Referencing the state's $2 billion surplus, Gov. Eric Holcomb said Indiana's financial prudence "was for this day."

Election panel OKs primary changes

The Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday OK'd several changes that Holcomb, Secretary of State Connie Lawson and Republican and Democratic leaders recommended at a news conference last week.

Holcomb signed an executive order Friday to move the primary election from May 5 to June 2 and asked the commission to make several changes to smooth that process, most notably allowing all voters to cast absentee ballots by mail. The commission also acknowledged doing so could delay election results and asked local election boards to count votes by June 12.

The Election Commission also agreed to attempt to create a digital system to allow voters to submit absentee ballot applications online, rather than through the mail.

Visit www.IndianaVoters.com to register to vote or to request an absentee ballot.

Central Indiana continues to be focal point for new cases

Marion County continued to be the state’s hotbed for cases, seeing 67 new cases for a total of 266 cases.

Hamilton County has the second-highest number of cases in the state, gaining five cases for a total of 30.

Johnson County has the third-highest number of cases in the state, with 24, including three total deaths. The three people who have died all lived in the Greenwood area, according to the Johnson County Joint Incident Management Team. The last two people in Johnson County who died were age 75 and passed away in the hospital.

Other counties in the double digits for cases include St. Joseph and Lake counties, at 19 each and Hendricks County with 15 cases.

'Stay at home' begins

Indiana awoke Wednesday to Holcomb's stay at home order, which took effect at 11:59 Tuesday night. Hoosiers are required to stay at home, except for essential work and activities. Police will not be pulling drivers over just for driving on Indiana's roadways, though penalties are possible for those who flout the order. Learn more about enforcement here.

The coronavirus continues to devastate Indiana's economy, with more than 54,000 Hoosiers filing for unemployment benefits since March 16. The surge has overwhelmed the system.

As of Tuesday morning, 365 Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve have died. Throughout the state, 2,931 tests have been conducted. These numbers are updated daily around 10 a.m.