Friday, Aug. 27, 2021

COVID Hospitalizations Increasing Statewide, Majority Are Unvaccinated  

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), 498 Iowans were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Wednesday, Aug. 25, the highest number since mid-January.  That's 102 more people than reported on Aug. 18, or a 26% increase in seven days.  Of those 498 hospitalizations, 133 were in an intensive care unit (ICU) which is 34 more than last week, or a 34% increase.  For more information, visit https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/pages/rmcc-data

The majority these current COVID-19 hospitalizations are among unvaccinated Iowans. The IDPH reported yesterday (Aug. 25) that 79% of individuals hospitalized with a primary COVID-19 diagnosis were not vaccinated and 86% of patients in the ICU were not vaccinated before becoming infected. The hospitalization rate is currently highest among middle age to older adults. 87% of those hospitalized are age 40 and older. Children under the age of 18 account for just 2% of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

“We have many tools we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and the single most important tool we have is the vaccine, which is highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death. For anyone who was waiting for the assurance of full FDA authorization, I urge you to schedule your appointment today,” shared Iowa Department of Public Health interim director Kelly Garcia.

Preventing avoidable COVID-19 hospitalizations also helps preserve health care resources for other needs, including illnesses, injuries and emergencies. Some Iowa hospitals have recently reported an increase in hospitalizations among children with RSV, limiting their bed capacity for other patients. To read the full IDPH announcement, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/News/ArtMID/646/ArticleID/158433/Update-on-COVID-19-in-Iowa

There are a number of things Iowans can do to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 and prevent spreading the virus in their communities:

• Get vaccinated
• Wear a mask in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status
• Social distance in public settings
• Stay home if you are sick
• Get tested for COVID if you have symptoms or were exposed

DUBUQUE COUNTY HOSPITALIZATIONS

• According to IDPH, 8 Dubuque County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Wednesday, Aug. 25. (Decrease of 2 from Aug. 18)
  

COVID-19 Testing

If you or a loved one are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. Testing is widely available with many convenient options.  Iowans can access testing at the following locations:

• Primary Care Providers
• Urgent Care
• Local and national pharmacies
• Private labs in local communities

Test Iowa At Home:

IDPH and the State Hygienic Lab are partnering to provide Iowans free at-home test kits. These test kits are ideal for a proactive diagnosis. Examples of proactive testing:

• Before upcoming travel, or returning from travel.
• Ensuring negative status before attending events.
• Recent COVID-19 positive and want to ensure a negative result before returning to normal activities.
• To have on hand for family members in case of exposure.

Go to testiowa.com for more information, to order a test kit or find a pick-up site near you.

Iowans are urged NOT to visit a Hospital Emergency Room for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, unless experiencing severe symptoms. An ER visit may expose others in a medically fragile state to the virus as well as place additional strain on hospital resources.

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.