The number of COVID-19 cases in Iowa totals 3,157 as of Monday with the confirmation of 257 newly confirmed infections. Four additional deaths were recorded, bringing the state to 79 deaths to date. Two new outbreaks have been identified, one in a long-term care facility in Polk County and the other at Iowa Premium Beef in Tama County. Recent data shows the novel coronavirus spreads very quickly between people in close proximity and is reflected in the frequency of outbreaks at nursing homes and meat packing plants. Another area of concern for state officials is Iowa’s incarcerated population. During Monday’s press conference, Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) Director, Beth Skinner, reported the first confirmed case in an inmate had been identified at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Oakdale. Additionally, two Iowa DOC employees have tested positive. According to Skinner, they have taken steps to mitigate COVID-19’s spread in the state’s prisons, which include quarantining infected individuals, cutting visitation, reducing the incarcerated population where possible and screening people before entry into facilities. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has implemented outbreak “strike force” teams consisting of an epidemiologist, infection prevention nurse and other personnel to conduct surveillance testing and provide mitigation guidance. Gov. Kim Reynolds also announced today (Monday) the Iowa National Guard has been authorized to shift soldiers and airmen serving in a full-time capacity for COVID-19 mitigation efforts to full-time federal duty status. The move provides federal funding for their efforts while still under the command of the governor. For updated information from the IDPH on COVID-19 in Iowa, follow the link included below.
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