INDIANAPOLIS — While COVID-19 numbers continue to decline in Indiana, state officials say they are concerned about a spike in a certain part of the population.
People under 30 are now making up a greater number of positive COVID-19 cases. In early May, that age group made up 15% of all cases. In the past six weeks, however, that number has risen, with people ages 0-29 making up 21% of all cases.
“It’s the younger adults that feel invincible and don’t wear masks. They go to the bars, go the clubs together. They may not wear their masks, or if they do, they come off later in the evening,” said Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box.
"I'm not too freaked out about it, really. I think I'll be pretty safe from it," said Andrew Westphal, who was dining on Mass Ave Wednesday.
A look around the sidewalks showed an age separation in mask usage. Many young people were going about their business without wearing a face mask.
"I don't know, I feel like if I didn't work in a hospital, I probably wouldn't be as cautious about it," said Liza Tevebaugh.
Both Tevebaugh and nurse Breanna Schultz keep a mask on them, but say that's a rarity among their peers.
"I don't think they are, no," Schultz said. "I don't think they are taking it seriously."
Of course, it's an age group that isn't at risk for serious complications, but other states have been proof about what happens when cases get out of hand.
“This is not business as usual. Everything is not back to the way it was before COVID-19 entered our vocabulary,” she said. "So please wear a mask when you are out in public. Social distance and if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for everyone else.”
Overall, ISDH reports that 16% of patients testing positive for COVID-19 were admitted to the hospital. Looking at the patients admitted, 21% went into the intensive care unit.
