MADISON COUNTY — Eleven deaths in Madison County have been reported as directly related to COVID-19 as of Tuesday, but the number may be higher, said Stephenie Grimes, Madison County Health Department administrator.

“Five of (the 11) were at Bethany Pointe, and the remainder was throughout the county,” Grimes said Tuesday morning.

Bethany Pointe is a nursing facility in Anderson.

Grimes said a communication problem between the state and county may account for a discrepancy in some numbers reported as well as the number of positive tests or related deaths.

Grimes said Madison County has a higher incidence of COVID-19 than several counties in Indiana because the population is more at risk.

“More than 24 percent of Madison County population is over 60, which means that we have a higher percentage of people at risk,” Grimes said.

Most of the county’s deaths have occurred in the past week, with five being added overnight Thursday, April 2.

Of Madison County’s six neighboring counties, Hamilton County has had 10 deaths while the rest have had between none and two, according to state data.

The Madison County COVID-19 Task Force — which includes health department and other county representatives, including the coroner and sheriff — met Tuesday afternoon.

During that meeting, Grimes said Indiana has had a shortage of tests, too.

The test shortage meant fewer people have been getting tested than might been showing some symptoms, she said. There is still a shortage of tests, but the county is getting more and easier tests.

“Up until last week, the criteria for those that qualified for the test was pretty restrictive; but the criteria was relaxed a little after Indiana received more tests,” Grimes said.

The tests available in Madison County involve a swab.

Grimes said about 500 tests had been administered in Madison County as of Tuesday and 137 reported positive results.

Dr. Stephen Wright, Madison County health officer, and Dr. Troy Abbott, president of the Health Department’s advisory board, had strong words of caution for those thinking about going out.

“If you have to go to the store, get in, get what you need and get out. Don’t wander around shopping,” Abbott said.

Madison County Sheriff Scott Mellinger said he was asked to address the issue of travel bans during the meeting, which is posted on the health department’s Facebook page.

“People are still limited to necessary travel, but there has been a lot of discussion on what is considered necessary,” Mellinger said.

He said people wouldn’t be stopped just to ask where they were going; however, if there is suspected criminal activity or someone is driving erratically, they will be stopped.

What is considered essential work also is up for discussion.

Mellinger said in addition to the 35 occupations that are considered essential, it also is considered essential if your employer insists that you be at work — except for the entertainment industry. While he didn’t list all 35 occupations, Mellinger said healthcare workers, first responders and food service would definitely be included.

Danielle Dunnichay-Noone, Madison County coroner, said she also will be working with hospitals and others impacted by the deaths to coordinate storage of the dead, if needed.

“We are concerned about lifting restrictions too soon and then we could see a second surge,” Wright said.