Indy Department of Public Works hops on 'viral' trend after Biden tweets 'I'm sick'

Katie Wiseman John Tufts
Indianapolis Star

President Joe Biden recently tested positive for COVID-19 and his latest tweets after his diagnosis have given new meaning to the term viral trend.After Biden tweeted Wednesday night a simple, "I'm sick," the two-word phrase spread over social media in a chorus of tweets, including one from the city's Department of Public Works.

Does President Biden have COVID-19?

Yes, the White House announced Wednesday evening that Biden had tested positive for COVID-19 and was experiencing "mild symptoms," making it the third time the president has officially tested positive for the illness.

More:President Biden tests positive for COVID, taking him off campaign trail during critical time

Shortly after the announcement, Biden took to social media where he could continue campaigning remotely during his isolation period.

Biden tweeted "I'm sick," followed quickly by another tweet, saying "of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election," with a donation link to his campaign.

The two-word tweet has since been emulated by other social media users — some making jokes at Biden's expense while others using its format to create social commentary of their own.

What are people saying about Joe Biden's 'I'm sick' tweet?

Indy DPW joins in on the trend

Indy DPW officials decided to use the opportunity to tweet about potholes.

"We are sick," Indy DPW tweeted, adding in a follow-up tweet "of potholes." The second tweet had a link for residents to report problematic roads.

How to report potholes in Indianapolis

You can report a pothole through the Mayor’s Action Center online through RequestIndy or by calling 317-327-4622.

The Mayor's Action Center is open daily for calls Monday - Friday. The call center hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, on Thursdays they're closed one hour from 2-3 p.m.

RequestIndy is accessible on the city's website and via the mobile app 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Be sure to be specific in your report about how many potholes are in the reported area, where they are located and what size they are (the options are small, medium, or larger than a basketball). The form also asks if the pothole caused any property damage.

Potholes in Indianapolis:How to report them, how long they take to repair.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman.