Indiana’s COVID numbers have been easing downward a bit, but doctors advise anyone not to drop their guard as the pandemic sees the more easily contracted U.K. variant in the state.

State health officials said Sunday 2,565 new infections were reported statewide with a 9.9 percent seven-day positivity rate, and 23 new deaths. The state’s pandemic death toll is 9,340. In total, Indiana has logged 611,039 positive COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

Delaware County reports 36 new positive cases with a 7.4 percent seven-day positivity rate and no new deaths. The county remains at an Orange Level 2.5 COVID spread rating. 35 counties remain at a Red Level 3 rating. Delaware County’s death toll is 134.  9,152 total positive tests have been recorded, so far, in the pandemic.

Hoosier health professionals from Lake Michigan to the Ohio River continue to urge citizens to take masking seriously, frequently wash hands, social distance, and to avoid crowds.

35 Indiana counties remain at a Red Level 3 COVID spread rating – the worst rating.  Delaware County remains at an Orange Level 2.5. Madison, Grant, and Randolph counties also are at the Orange Level 2.5 rating; Jay County is best off at a Yellow Level 1.5.  Henry and Blackford counties come in with a Red Level 3 rating. Wayne County rates an Orange Level 2.