Friday, Aug. 6, 2021

Community Transmission Increasing in Iowa

The latest data available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show increasing levels of community transmission of COVID-19 across the country and in Iowa.  All but 8 of Iowa's 99 counties are now showing substantial or high levels of community transmission.  Residents with travel plans should be aware of the risks of visiting areas with high and substantial levels of community transmission and should take precautions.

The Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management Team urges unvaccinated residents ages 12 and up to get vaccinated. Learn how/where you can get vaccinated at www.dubuquecounty.org/sleevesup or call 563.690.MAKE(6253) for assistance.  

The incident management team also recommend that all residents, vaccinated and unvaccinated, follow the CDC's guidelines:

• To maximize protection from the Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
• Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. If this applies to you or your household, you might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission in your area.
• You might choose to have everyone in your family, even those who are vaccinated, wear a mask indoors in public regardless of the level of transmission in your area.
• Unvaccinated family members, including children 2 years and older, should wear a mask in all indoor public settings.
  - To set an example, you also might choose to wear a mask.
  - Do NOT put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.

Community Transmission Rates: Aug. 4

Community Transmission Rates: Aug. 1

VIDEO UPDATE

For information on local COVID-19 testing options, visit www.dubuquecounty.org/COVID19

Please do not reply to this message.  If you have questions, please call 563.556.6200.