text: FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Allen County’s top doctor and health leaders are encouraging the community to follow COVID-19 precautions as the area is seeing a steady increase in hospitalizations and positive cases.
  The Allen County Department of Health said local hospitals have seen spikes in COVID-19 patients, leading health experts to urge residents to continue to take simple precautions like wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding crowded indoor areas.
  Of the nearly 2,300 intensive care unit beds in Indiana, the department says 18% are taken up by COVID-19 patients. In northeast Indiana, they say 20% of ICU beds are filled with COVID-19 patients.
  Parkview Health’s Chief Quality and Safety Officer says Parkview has seen “a dramatic increase” in hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to COVID-19, and urges residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine in addition to masking and social distancing.
  RELATED: Allen County reports spike in new COVID-19 cases Thursday
  “Our current Allen County average daily case rate is 273, which is the highest number we’ve seen since January. The hospitals in the county are feeling significant strain and seeing rising admissions for COVID-19. We ask for the community’s help to protect our hospitals and our health care workers.
  It’s important that we socially distance or mask when indoors in public and get vaccinated, when eligible. There are several studies that demonstrate that even for those who’ve been previously infected with COVID-19, vaccines reduce the risk of getting infected and having severe symptoms associated with infection. Booster shots may also be helpful, especially for those over 65.”
  Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Matthew Sutter
  The department’s release says the county’s positivity rate is nearly 13%, and total daily positive cases have been climbing statewide since October. They say the statewide daily positive test rate also has risen.
  In addition to the vaccine recommendation from Dr. Sutter and Parkview Health, Lutheran Health Network officials said they also encourage residents to get vaccinated and continue simple precautionary measures. “Our community’s engagement in these practices can have a significant impact in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the hospitalizations that can result from the deadly virus,” Vishal Bhatia, MD, Lutheran Health Network Chief Medical Officer said.
  Currently, vaccinations are effective and available for those 5 and older. Boosters are available for those 18 and older.