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Indiana coronavirus updates for Thursday, Dec. 28, 2021

The latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic for Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021.

INDIANAPOLIS — Here are Tuesday's latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, including the latest news on COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in Indiana.

Registrations for the vaccine are now open for Hoosiers 5 and older through the Indiana State Department of Health. This story will be updated over the course of the day with more news on the COVID-19 pandemic.

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NFL to reduce quarantine time for players who test positive for COVID-19

The NFL is reducing quarantine time for players who test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic, including unvaccinated players, to five days from 10, according to two people familiar with the protocols.

Both people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the revised protocols haven't been sent to teams yet.

The league and the NFL Players Association revised the protocols after the CDC changed its guidelines for those who are asymptomatic, recommending a five-day quarantine period and masking over the second five days.

Colts QB Carson Wentz placed on Reserve/COVID-19 list

The Indianapolis Colts placed quarterback Carson Wentz on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday.

Other players on the list include linebacker Darius Leonard, wide receiver Zach Pascal, guard Quenton Nelson, safety Jahleel Addae, cornerback T.J. Carrie, linebacker Malik Jefferson, running back Marlon Mack and tackle Braden Smith.

The Colts (9-6) are scheduled to play the Las Vegas Raiders (8-7) on Sunday, Jan. 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.

IU men's basketball game vs. UNC Ashville canceled due to COVID-19 protocols

The Indiana University men’s basketball game scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 29 has been canceled and will not be rescheduled due to COVID-19 protocols within the UNC Asheville program.

“As we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, we are disappointed for both programs, but we will always put the health and safety of our student-athletes, staff and fans as our top priority,” said Indiana University Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Dolson in a statement.

IU (10-2) is scheduled to play at Penn State on Sunday, Jan. 2.

ISDH update

The Indiana State Department of Health reports 3,480 more Hoosiers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday. The total number of people vaccinated in Indiana is now at 3,545,779.

There were 14,317 booster doses administered Monday, bringing the total number to 1,321,922.

The state health department also reported 5,815 new positive cases of COVID-19 between 12/26/21 and 12/27/21. 170 new deaths were also reported between 12/16/21 and 12/27/21.

Gov. Holcomb, state health officials to provide update on COVID-19 Wednesday afternoon

Gov. Eric Holcomb and state health officials will provide updates on COVID-19 and its impact on Indiana Wednesday afternoon.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, and Chief Medical Officer Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, will join Holcomb for the news conference, which is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET.

13News will stream the news conference on our website and mobile news app.

CDC recommends shorter COVID isolation for asymptomatic patients

U.S. health officials on Monday cut isolation restrictions for asymptomatic Americans who catch the coronavirus from 10 to five days, and similarly shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the coronavirus are most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

"Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others," the CDC's statement reads

The decision also was driven by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, propelled by the omicron variant.

Early research suggests omicron may cause milder illnesses than earlier versions of the coronavirus. But the sheer number of people becoming infected — and therefore having to isolate or quarantine — threatens to crush the ability of hospitals, airlines and other businesses to stay open, experts say.

Latest US, world numbers

There have been more than 52.79 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States as of 4 a.m. Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 818,300 deaths recorded in the U.S.

Worldwide, there have been more than 281.42 million confirmed coronavirus cases with more than 5.40 million deaths and more than 8.98 billion vaccine doses administered worldwide.

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 like pneumonia, or death.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools reinstates mask mandate after winter break

In a letter to families, Hamilton Southeastern Schools emphasized when students and staff return to class on Tuesday, Jan. 4, masks will be required. 

HSE said it will determine when masks are required based on Hamilton County's COVID-19 advisory level, as well as other local COVID-19 data. Due to the extension of a federal mandate, HSE said masks are required on the school bus regardless of the county advisory level. 

If, for two consecutive weeks, the advisory is... 

Blue: Masks will be optional in all schools. Contact tracing and quarantines will be based on a 6-foot radius. 

Yellow/Orange: Schools that are below a 4% quarantine rate based on student population during the two-week period will be mask optional. Contact tracing and quarantines will be based on a 6-foot radius.

Masks will be required for schools at or above a 4% quarantine rate based on student population. Contact tracing and quarantines will be based on a 3-foot radius in classrooms and a 6-foot radius in all other settings where masks are not worn, such as lunch, choir, band, P.E., ECAs.

Red: Masks will be required in all schools. Contact tracing and quarantines will be based on a 3-foot radius in classrooms and a 6-foot radius in all other settings where masks are not worn, such as lunch, choir, band, P.E., ECAs.

IMS vaccination clinic extended

The Indiana Department of Health is extending the COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway through Jan. 22, 2022.

Vaccinations and testing are being offered on the following schedule:

  • December:
    Dec. 28-29: 4-8 p.m.
  • January (through Jan. 22):
    Tuesdays-Fridays, 4-8 p.m.
    Saturdays: 8 a.m.-noon

It offers the two-dose Pfizer pediatric and adult vaccines, as well as the two-dose Moderna vaccine.

The clinic is located in the parking lot across from Gate 2 at 4551 W. 16th St.

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