Latest metrics show per capita COVID-19 rate increasing

A sign marks the COVID-19 testing site at the old J.C. Penney store at FairOaks Mall in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. Mike Wolanin | The Republic

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The COVID-19 Community Task Force’s latest community spread update showed that the per capita rate has reached 61.6.

The COVID-19 dashboard indicators are intended to guide the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. on deciding whether or not schools can meet for in-person learning. Schools moved back to eLearning on Monday and will continue to stay virtual through Nov. 24.

The school corporation’s plan is to return to the in-person/remote option model on Nov. 30, but the level of community spread will be closely monitored in order to make a final determination on a return date prior to Thanksgiving, Roberts said.

Thursday’s community spread update from the task force showed the following:

  • There are 69 new cases, and the number is increasing (as of Nov. 11)
  • The per capita rate is 61.6 and increasing (as of Nov. 11)
  • The percent positive test rate is 18.7 and increasing (as of Nov. 7)
  • There are 38 COVID hospitalizations, and the number is increasing (as of Nov. 11)
  • Test turnaround time is 3.0 days and decreasing (as of Nov. 8)

Per capita rate, percent positive test rate and hospitalizations are in the substantial spread category. Test turnaround time is in the moderate spread category.