Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Testing & Isolation Encouraged as New Cases Increase Almost 400% in 4 Weeks
The number of weekly new COVID-19 cases in Dubuque County has increased 392% in the last four weeks.
- On April 6, 25 new cases were reported and weekly totals have steadily increased to 123 new cases being reported today.
- This is the highest weekly new case total in Dubuque County since late February.
- 50% of new Dubuque County cases in the last 7 days are among residents age 60 years and older.
As a result of this increased level of COVID in the community, the Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management Team is encouraging residents to:
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations/boosters.
- Isolate and get tested if you have symptoms. If you have symptoms and test negative with a rapid test, continue to isolate for five days take a PCR test through Test Iowa or your health care provider.
- Consider wearing a mask in indoor public spaces.
If you have COVID or have been in close contact with someone with COVID, use the COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator to determine if you should isolate, quarantine, or take other steps.
Vaccinations and boosters remain the best way to avoid serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID. Get details on vaccinations and boosters from the CDC.
COVID Treatments & Medications
For people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 infection, medications are available that can reduce your chances of severe illness and death. Other medications can help reduce symptoms and help you manage your illness.
If you test positive and are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. Contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if you are eligible for treatment, even if your symptoms are mild right now.
Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
People who are more likely to get very sick include older adults (ages 50 years or more, with risk increasing with older age), people who are unvaccinated, and people with certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system. Being vaccinated makes you much less likely to get very sick. Still, some vaccinated people, especially those ages 65 years or older or who have other risk factors for severe disease, may benefit from treatment if they get COVID-19. A healthcare provider will help decide which treatment, if any, is right for you.
Visit the CDC website to get more information on treatments for severe illness.
Travel Plans?
Are you traveling soon or making summer vacation plans? View guidance from the CDC on how to travel safely.
123* New Cases Reported Since April 20
NEW POSITIVES
https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Reporting
- 123* new positive cases reported since Apr. 27.
- Total positive cases/individuals reported to date = 26,176
* Due to the wide availability of at-home rapid tests, the results of which are usually not reported/recorded, it is widely believed that new COVID cases are underreported. The number reported in this update is the number of new cases reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
HOSPITALIZATIONS
- 7 County Hospitalizations: Today, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center has 4 inpatients with COVID-19 and UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital has 3 inpatients hospitalized with COVID for a total of 7 persons hospitalized with COVID in Dubuque County.
DEATHS
- No new deaths reported since Mar. 16.
- Total deaths related to COVID to date = 294
COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION RATE
Dubuque County COVID-19 Community Level = LOW
CDC Guidance for Low 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
VACCINATIONS
Please do not reply to this message. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call 563-556-6200.
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