Indiana adds 51 coronavirus deaths as hospitalizations grow

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana health officials reported 51 more coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday as the state also saw new record levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations and confirmed coronavirus infections.

Indianapolis officials announced steps including lowering capacity limits for bars and fitness center to 25% in an attempt to slow the virus spread in the state's largest city. All Indianapolis schools must switch to all-virtual instruction by Nov. 30 as many school districts across the state are shifting away from in-person classes.

Indiana hospitals were treating 2,569 COVID-19 patients as of Wednesday, the most at any point during the pandemic and a 200% increase since Gov. Eric Holcomb lifted nearly all coronavirus-related restrictions in late September. COVID-19 patients now make up 31% of those in the state's intensive care units - triple the percentage in September.

The state health department on Thursday also reported 6,642 new coronavirus infections. That is the first time daily reported infections have topped 6,000 and the moving seven-day average of new infections is six times higher than in September.

The state now has 4,813 pandemic fatalities, including confirmed and presumed coronavirus infections since March.

Holcomb cited concerns about hospitals being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients in announcing Wednesday the reinstatement of limits on social gathering sizes for nearly all counties across the state.