( Greencastle, Ind.) Putnam County officials announced today that there are currently 51 cases of COVID-19 in the county. The number has not changed since Saturday, April 18.

The Putnam County Health Dept. is continuing to investigate all confirmed cases of COVID-19 and notifying individuals who have been in direct contact with the patient. If you do not get a call, then you are most likely not a direct contact during the infectious period, according to the Indiana State Dept. of Health guidelines.

Additional updates include:

Putnam County Hospital has identified ways to communicate with families who have friends and loved ones hospitalized during COVID-19. PCH understands that the stress and worry of having a family member in the hospital and not being able to visit can cause a lot of anxiety. That’s why it has put into place a communication piece allowing families to receive updates directly from the hospital provider and allow individuals to speak to family members using a tablet provided by PCH if they wish. To learn more, email btrissel@pchosp.org.

Food pantry support is available for Putnam County residents. Visit www.pchosp.org to access a list of pantries and their hours.

Governor Holcomb extends stay-at-home order through May 1, 2020. Please continue to stay at home if you can, and practice social distancing. To learn more, visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s website at https://coronavirus.in.gov.

Family and Support Services of West Central Indiana (FSSWCI) is offering free support for victims of violence and families with young children. If you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, FSSWCI can help. Visit www.pchosp.org to learn more, and for a list of mental health resources.

It is imperative individuals take action to avoid COVID-19 to prevent its spread. A number of preventive steps include:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are showing symptoms of illness. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Cover your cough or sneezes with a tissue or sneeze into your elbow.

Throw the tissue in the garbage and make sure to clean your hands afterwards.

Stay home when you are sick.

Wear face coverings in public when performing essential duties.

We are all in this together.

Putnam County is providing regular updates on COVID-19 to citizens as part of its effort to complement the daily updates from the Indiana State Dept. of Health. The updates can be accessed via www.coronavirus.in.gov . According to the ISDH, the number of tests is provisional and reflects only those reported to ISDH. Numbers should not be characterized as a comprehensive total.

To learn more about Putnam County’s coordinated response to COVID-19, please visit the Putnam County Hospital at www.pchosp.org/covid-19-updates or the Putnam County Health Department at www.putnamhealthindiana.org.