Monroe County’s seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate is up by 2% this week, from 1.4% to 3.4%.
County health administrator Penny Caudill said her department expected this because IU student testing data are no longer adding to the local total.
"Because the number of tests that are being done are dropping, we expected some of that fluctuation and hopefully that will even out soon," said Caudill.
Both county health officials and IU medical experts continue to urge people to get vaccinated as the best way to avoid getting sick.
READ MORE: COVID-19 Vaccines Required For All IU Students And Staff Before Fall 2021 Semester Begins
Caudill said 46.8% of county residents over age 12 are now fully vaccinated. She also said fully vaccinated individuals have less than a one in 50,000 chance of being hospitalized.
"That’s a reason in my mind to get vaccinated," said Caudill.
The county will host several vaccine clinics in the coming weeks, starting with the Smithville Farmers’ Market on May 29 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on IU’s campus remains open as a vaccine site.
Last week, nationwide Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance led to the county lifting its mask mandate.
READ MORE: City Of Bloomington Rescinds Mask Mandate, Gathering Restrictions
"While it may not be a mandate, it’s still a recommendation and a safety factor. It is going to be up to individuals and patrons of some facilities," said Caudill.
An Indiana executive order requires mask wearing and social distancing inside government buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, public transportation centers, COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites and any businesses which choose to keep the measure.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
