INDIANAPOLIS — Tuesday's latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus-linked heart condition driving concerns about college sports
A rare condition that causes inflammation of the heart muscle and which could be linked to COVID-19 has been a central concern for Power 5 conference leaders deliberating a return to college sports in the fall, according to ESPN.
The condition, known as myocarditis, has been discovered in at least five athletes in the Big Ten Conference along with "several other" college athletes in other conferences, ESPN reported while citing two sources familiar with the athletes' medical care.
The condition, if left undiagnosed, can cause heart damage and cardiac arrest.
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart and it has been found in some COVID-19 patients. There is concern it could be a long-term complication of contracting the virus even in young, healthy people, a group that has usually avoided severe cardiovascular symptoms.
ESPN and Sports Illustrated reported that long-term effects of myocarditis have been discussed frequently on recent calls among conference commissioners and athletic directors.
One Power 5 team doctor told Sports Illustrated that the heart condition has been discussed on "every call.”
ISDH update
The Indiana State Department of Health is reporting 884 new cases of coronavirus. That puts the state at more than 75,000 confirmed cases. The positivity rate also bumped up on the 7-day average to 7.7 percent.
Indiana also recorded 25 more deaths with 22 of them being since Aug. 6. The state has now had 2,863 deaths from COVID-19.
Marion County Health Department stepping up mask enforcement, social distancing guidelines
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine provided an update on the COVID-19 pandemic in Marion County Tuesday morning.
The Marion County Health Department is stepping up enforcement of the mask mandate and social distancing requirements.
Effective immediately, Marion County businesses, venues and individuals in violation of the public health order could face a $1,000 fine.
"The education and warning period is over," Dr. Caine said.
Caine said more egregious or repeat offenders could face higher fines of $1,500 per day — or even be shut down. She said there are between 10 and 20 people investigating reported violations.
Violations can be reported to the Marion County Public Health Department during business hours at 317-221-5500 or through email at healthdept@marionhealth.org.
Bars and nightclubs remain closed
Dr. Caine outlined the following in the latest public health order:
- Bars and nightclubs remain closed.
- Outdoor dining remains at 50 percent capacity.
- Indoor dining at restaurants remains at 50 percent capacity.
- Table service is required at restaurants. There will be no bar service.
- Masks are required when not eating or drinking.
Fall sports restrictions
The following protocols will go into effect immediately in regards to fall sports:
- No more than 250 people are allowed in the stands.
- Masks are required when in the stands.
- There will be no congregating at concession stands.
- During football, masks must be worn while on the sidelines, there will be no handshake at the coin toss and social distancing of 6 feet will be required at all times in the team box.
Avon High School returns to e-learning Tuesday
Avon High School students are returning to e-learning for the rest of the week, starting Tuesday, Aug. 11.
This comes after the school corporation reported five positive COVID-19 cases at the high school.
The school district is reviewing and finalizing a hybrid learning approach for the high school, which will be used through Aug. 28. Students will return to in-person learning Aug. 31.
The rest of the Avon schools are unaffected and are continuing in-person learning.
Monday night, dozens of teachers, parents and students voiced their concerns at a board meeting — some in support and others wanting more transparency and data. The meeting was so packed, school officials were forced to move the meeting to the middle school auditorium to give people more space to social distance.
Mayor Hogsett, Dr. Caine to provide update on COVID-19 pandemic in Marion County
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine are providing an update on the COVID-19 pandemic in Marion County Tuesday morning.
The virtual press conference will begin at 10:30 a.m. ET.
On Monday, Hogsett revealed part of his proposed 2021 budget, which included a $16.3 million COVID relief funding package with an expansion to the rental assistance program of $7.5 million.
Also included in the mayor's coronavirus relief funding package is $300,000 in supplemental completion grants for students at Ivy Tech or IUPUI who cannot afford college due to the pandemic.
Russia registers virus vaccine, Putin's daughter given it
Russian President Vladimir Putin says that a coronavirus vaccine developed in the country has been registered for use and one of his daughters has already been inoculated.
Speaking at a government meeting Tuesday, Putin said that the vaccine has proven efficient during tests, offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus.
Putin emphasized that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests. He added that one of his two daughters has received a shot of the vaccine and is feeling well.
Russian authorities have said that medical workers, teachers and other risk groups will be the first to be inoculated.
Russia is the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine. Many scientists in the country and abroad have been skeptical, however, questioning the decision to register the vaccine before Phase 3 trials that normally last for months and involve thousands of people.
Latest US, world numbers
There have been 5.09 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. as of 3:30 a.m. ET Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 163,000 deaths and 1.67 million people recovered.
Worldwide, there have been 20.09 million confirmed cases with more than 736,000 deaths and 12.35 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.
Carmel FD to distribute face masks, hand sanitizer Wednesday
The Carmel Fire Department will be having a COVID-19 information booth where they hand out information on virus prevention and safety and answer questions from the public.
The fire department will also be handing out free bottles of hand sanitizer and disposable face masks while supplies last.
CFD will be at Westermeier Commons shelter in Central Park located at 920 Central Park Dr. W. in Carmel on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.