INDIANAPOLIS — Monday's latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic.
Elwood school staff member tests positive
A staff member at Elwood Community Schools has tested positive for coronavirus, just days before school is scheduled to start.
School officials were told of the positive test over the weekend and began working to determine people who may have had close contact with the unidentified staffer, our partners at the Herald-Bulletin reported.
Anyone determined to have been in contact with the staff member will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
Classes are scheduled to start Thursday in Elwood.
ISDH new coronavirus numbers
The Indiana State Department of Health reported that there are 561 new cases of coronavirus in the state, totaling nearly 63,000 cases. Three more Hoosiers have died from the virus.
Just under 9 percent of COVID-19 cases are positive in the state.
Statewide mask mandate begins Monday
Governor Eric Holcomb's executive order, mandating masks in the Hoosier state, begins Monday, July 27.
State and local health departments will be responsible for enforcing compliance through education about the importance of wearing face coverings. The executive order does not include criminal penalties.
Here are the situations where Hoosiers will now be required to wear a mask when the mandate takes effect:
-Masks must be worn by anyone over the age of 8 when in indoor spaces, using public transportation or outside when you're not socially or physically distanced from someone who isn't in your household.
-All students who are in third grade or above will be required to wear a mask at school. All children are required to wear a face covering while on a school bus.
-Masks are also required for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, with exceptions for strenuous physical activity.
-Exceptions will be made for medical purposes, strenuous physical activity, eating and drinking. Masks will be strongly recommended for those ages 2-7.
Holcomb said the decision came due to a spike in cases not only in Indiana but the surrounding states.
Latest US, world numbers
There have been 4.23 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. as of 1:30 a.m. ET Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 146,000 deaths and 1.29 million people recovered.
Worldwide, there have been 16.25 million confirmed cases with more than 648,000 deaths and 9.39 million recoveries.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
Holiday World requiring face masks in some areas
Holiday World will require guests to wear masks upon entry to the park and in any indoor areas beginning Monday, July 27 to comply with the newly signed statewide executive order.
Once inside the park, visitors can remove their face masks in outdoor areas as long as they are able to socially distance.
The park has also asked visitors to get a HoliCash wristband or use Apple Pay or Android Pay for touchless payment options.
Indiana Beach new guidelines begin Monday
To coincide with Gov. Holcomb's statewide mask mandate, Indiana Beach is making changes to its safety protocols.
Beginning Monday, July 27, masks must be worn in the following areas:
- When in line to enter Indiana Beach
- All indoor locations (restrooms, gift shops, restaurants, ride lines/ride stations and game rooms)
Masks will not be required while eating or at the beach, which includes the lazy river, splash pad, water slides and pools.
Each guest will undergo a temperature check as they enter the park. Any guest that registers 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter.
Click here for more information.