ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – Health Officials in St. Joseph County are emphasizing the importance of practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Many are predicting that the number of cases will not begin to decrease for another two weeks, as Indiana is still behind in testing.

But officials say that as long as social distancing is maintained, we will see less and less cases.

“What we’re trying to do with social distancing is avoid the peak curve,” Heidi Beidinger-Burnett said, The President of the St. Joseph County Board of Health. “If we spike up in positive cases it’s going to overwhelm our health care system.”

Health officials also say that medical supply shortages are hampering health care systems, creating a significant need for donations and other forms of community contribution.