GiaQuinta urges governor to protect Hoosiers from increasing COVID-19 numbers

The House Democratic Leader thinks Indiana's restrictions should be tightened before it's too late

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement regarding the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across Indiana:

“Unlike before, we're not only seeing an increase in cases, but we're also seeing an increase in apathy toward this pandemic,” GiaQuinta said. “Because the governor has decided now is the time to loosen restrictions, he is communicating to Hoosiers that it is okay to let our guards down.

“This is not the time. With temperatures lowering and winter approaching, Hoosiers will be forced to remain indoors and the space to move around in schools, restaurants and businesses will dramatically decrease. And then there's the rapidly approaching flu-season, which will lead to an increase in hospitalizations.

“Based on Holcomb's four guiding principles, hospital capacity is a vital piece of the puzzle when reopening decisions are being made. According to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), only 30% of ICU beds are available. Another important piece to consider is hospitalization trends, and we haven't seen this many hospitalizations since May.

“Furthermore, with 1831 new positive cases, today marks the highest number of cases reported in a single day since the pandemic started. I know some of that is due to an increase in testing, but if a number less than that was enough to shut down the entire state, we should at least consider tightening restrictions as an appropriate response to this threatening trend.  

“What we're about to see is a perfect storm for the coronavirus to take over this state. I don't want to see that happen and I urge Governor Holcomb to take the reins on this growing issue before it's too late.”