Lake County reports COVID-19 death toll at 19 now dead, officials say; longtime Gary employee, 59, among victims

Apr. 9--Lake County reported seven new deaths from COVID-19 Thursday with 19 total, the highest jump since the virus was confirmed more than three weeks ago.

Lake County's caseload rose by 64 to 525, nearly 200 more since Monday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health's update Thursday. Porter County had 93 total cases, it said.

Gary is quickly emerging as Lake County's new epicenter, but its most recent numbers slowed. Officials reported no new deaths and a handful of new cases Thursday. The city has five deaths total and more than 110 cases, Mayor Jerome Prince said. He is waiting for his COVID-19 results, he said.

Prince has floated the idea of a curfew, although nothing is yet in place. The city blocked off car access to Marquette Park beach, he said during a Facebook live segment Wednesday.

Twenty-four deaths have been reported in the seven-county area, including 19 in Lake, three in LaPorte, and one each in Jasper and Newton counties, according to the state.

The statewide death toll increased by 42 Thursday, the largest number the state has reported to date in its daily pandemic updates, followed by the 34 deaths it reported Tuesday. According to the ISDH, 245 Hoosiers have died from the virus. More than 32,000 people tested for the virus, while more than 6,300 have tested positive.

Testing for health care workers at Merrillville High

On Wednesday, 225 healthcare workers, first responders and "essential" workers were tested on the first day of drive-through testing at Merrillville High School, Indiana Health Commissioner Kristina Box said Thursday. Testing will continue likely through next Tuesday, she said.

The number who showed was "far beyond our expectations for that day," Box said.

Only eligible symptomatic workers can be tested. It's available 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, next Monday and possibly Tuesday at Merrillville High School, 276 E. 68th Place, for symptomatic health care, long-term care workers, first responders and "essential" workers.

Future testing dates may be added later, the ISDH said previously.

Workers must show a driver's license or state ID and documentation proving where they work. It is first come, first serve and with one test per car, an ISDH spokesperson said.

Former Gary worker among local victims

Ezra Alexander, 59, of Gary, a longtime employee of the Gary Parks and Recreation Department, died Wednesday after contracting the COVID-19, novel coronavirus, according to the city.

Alexander, a 1979 West Side High graduate, was remembered as a coach and mentor to many in Gary, especially young people. Nicknamed "Dee Dee," he was an avid bowler and coached youth track and basketball programs.

City spokesman Mike Gonzalez said Alexander had other health complications and left his parks job a few years ago. He called Alexander's death "heartbreaking. He was a super nice guy with a big heart for people."

Family member Tony Walker said: "Dee Dee will always be remembered as an advocate for the youth of this community and a beloved coach. He will be sorely missed by family and friends alike."

Elsewhere in Indiana

Marion County, the home of Indianapolis, again had the most new COVID-19 cases, at 127, raising its total to 2,415 -- or about 38 percent of Indiana's total.

State officials are also tracking nursing home outbreaks, Indiana Health Commissioner Kristina Box said Wednesday

Earlier this week, 11 died from an outbreak at a Madison County nursing home, officials said. Three employees there were also hospitalized, two in critical condition, she said Monday.

Projections

Indiana may see daily deaths peak at 45 around April 16, according to a revised projection from the University of Washington.

More than 850 people could die from COVID-19 in Indiana by May 1, it said.

Ivy Tech wants $500k match for hard hit students

An Ivy Tech Trustee is offering a $500,000 matching donation for a newly created COVID-19 Relief Fund for hard hit Indiana students, it said.

Trustee Marianne Glick and husband Mike Woods would donate the money if another $500,000 can be raised by April 30, it said in a release. The funds would go to campuses including ones in Lake County, Valparaiso and Michigan City.

"This investment will go directly to students," Lake County Chancellor Louie Gonzalez said. "Many can't pay for books and supplies. It's the little things that keep students from continuing their educational journeys. This is our way of helping their dreams come true."

Donations can be made at impact.ivytech.edu/COVID.Relief.Fund.

The Associated Press contributed.

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