Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Gathering Safely

 
Holiday gatherings are important for many people. Using proven prevention strategies, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends.  

• Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Although COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe disease, boosters are important to maintain your protection against COVID because data shows reduced protection over time against mild and moderate disease, especially among certain populations. 
  
  
• Consider Testing: Test immediately before the gathering, or as close to the time of the event as possible. This is especially important before gathering with individuals at risk of severe disease, older adults, those who are immunocompromised, or people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. 
  
  
• Ventilate Gathering Spaces: When the weather permits, open windows and doors to improve ventilation to reduce the spread of COVID and help protect your loved ones. Use CDC's interactive tool to learn how to decrease the level of COVID-19 virus particles in your home: https://bit.ly/3F7bPgg. 
  
  
• Stay Home If Ill: If you do not feel well or were exposed to someone with COVID, stay home and get tested if you have symptoms.  

24* New Cases Reported Since April 6

NEW POSITIVES 

https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Reporting

• 24* new positive cases reported since Apr. 6. 
• Total positive cases/individuals reported to date = 25,946

HOSPITALIZATIONS 

• 2 County Hospitalizations:  Today, UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital has 1 inpatient hospitalized with COVID and MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center has 1 inpatient with COVID-19 and for a total of 2 persons hospitalized with COVID in Dubuque County.

DEATHS   

• No new deaths reported since Mar. 16.
• Total deaths related to COVID to date = 294

COMMUNITY LEVEL

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
• Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible
• Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
• If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease:
  - Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)
  - Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP, and monoclonal antibodies

Please do not reply to this message.  If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call 563.556.6200.