This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, February 11th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have the latest edition of our podcast, Prescription for Healthcare, hosted by Rob and Karen Green Stone. In today’s feature report, we will air Part II. of our interview with T.R. Reid - a long-time correspondent for the Washington Post and chairman of the Colorado Foundation for Universal Healthcare. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Indiana health officials are not expanding eligibility to receive the Covid-19 vaccine at this time. More in today’s headlines.

But first, your local news brief:

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

1,762 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Wednesday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. There were 26 newly reported deaths.

Indiana’s daily positive cases average has been trending down significantly since its peak of 7,000 in January. The state is still averaging over 1000 positive cases a day, so it’s important to continue wearing your mask and to continue to practice social distancing. This way, we can continue to help keep Hoosiers safe.

Locally, Monroe County saw 43 new confirmed cases yesterday, while Lawrence County reported 7. Brown County reported one new case.

The age requirement to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccination from the Indiana State Department of Health is currently 65 years of age and older.

Hoosiers who are first responders or healthcare workers can also get their vaccines. If you qualify, you can sign up by visiting ourshot.in.gov, by calling 211 for assistance, or by contacting one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging.

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Bloomington City Council Representative Isabel Piedmont-Smith will be hosting her monthly constituency meeting over Zoom this Saturday, February 13.

The first topic of this month’s meeting will discuss Bloomington’s approach towards the homeless community. The second will cover the master plan for the current IU Health Bloomington Hospital site.

Residents are encouraged to attend this meeting with questions about the topics, or about Bloomington in general.

The constituent meeting will take place Saturday starting at 11 a.m. More details on the meeting can be found on Piedmont-Smith’s facebook page, at facebook.com/piedmontsmith.

Monroe County Commissioners Approve $20K Agreement To Support Beacon Winter Shelter

Monroe County Commissioners approved an Agreement to support the Beacon Winter Shelter for $20,000. Attorney Jeff Cockerill spoke about the agreement during their February 10th meeting.

Commissioner Penny Githens mentioned the shelter operated at maximum capacity within the opening week. Commissioner Julie Thomas mentioned the monetary support would be provided by Coronavirus Aid, relief, and Economic Security Act grant funds.

Covid-19 Vaccine Update: The State Not Expanding Eligibility for Now

 More than 258,000 Indiana residents have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Dr. Kristina Box, state health commissioner, says Indiana will not increase the age eligibility to receive a vaccine, as the state is receiving roughly 100,000 weekly doses of the vaccine.

"Nearly 737,000 Hoosiers have received their first dose of vaccine," said Box.

Dr. Lindsay Weaver, chief medical officer for the Indiana State Department of Health, provided a breakdown of who has been vaccinated and who will be next-in-line to receive it.

"We are very excited that we have over 50 percent of our 65 to 70-year-old Hoosiers either scheduled or have received their first dose of vaccine,