Early research numbers by the state of Indiana in regards to the spread of COVID-19 were released on Wednesday afternoon.

Nir Menechemi, PhD the Chair of Health Policy Management at the Fairbanks School at IUPUI, shared some of the numbers in regards to the infection rate among the population in the state.

Scientists revealed as many 2.8 percent of Indiana's population -- to the tune of 186,000 Hoosiers -- have been infected so far based on preliminary findings from the first wave of antibody testing. Health officials say this study will give us a scientifically valid estimate of people who are infected or previously infected. This data will also help inform state leaders in the decision to open up the economy again.

So far, doctors and other health care providers have ordered COVID-19 tests to understand on a clinical level if the patient is positive or not. These molecular tests have typically only been ordered for symptomatic essential workers or those who are at-risk.

Other numbers released by Menechemi reinforced that the social distancing measures put in place by the state, and local governments are in many ways working and have played a critical role in slowing the spread of the virus.