COVID-19 related deaths have hit an unfortunate milestone in Elkhart County. There health leaders have counted their 500th victim.

On average, more than six county residents have died from the disease every week for more than 80 weeks, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

The Elkhart Truth reports that makes Elkhart County the fifth county in Indiana to reach 500 COVID-19 deaths.

Other counties that have already reached that milestone are St. Joseph, Lake, Marion and Allen.

The surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations also continues in Elkhart County. Elkhart General Hospital having nearly 40 COVID-19 inpatients, while Goshen Hospital is numbering in the 30’s.