Thursday, March 26, Update

34 Additional Positive Cases in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 34 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 179 positive cases. No new cases were reported today for Dubuque County. There have been a total of 2,975 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. For more information on today’s testing report from the IDPH, visit: https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus

Limit Traffic to Local Clinics & Hospitals
In an effort to preserve staff and resources for an anticipated surge in seriously ill patients, public health officials and local healthcare providers urge residents to limit all visits to healthcare facilities. Residents in need of medical attention should call their healthcare provider first to seek additional guidance before going to any location. Telehealth options should also be considered.  All non-essential appointments should be rescheduled and visitation restrictions at facilities must be followed. Healthcare providers are making this request to protect patients and the community, as well as preserve staff capacity and supplies for the expected surge of COVID-19 patients.

Work Release Requests
Local healthcare providers and public health officials encourage employers to waive requirements for a positive COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work. Healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely manner. Additional guidance for businesses is available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html 

Soap & Water Are All You Need
The Dubuque County Public Health Incident Response Team is reminding residents that washing your hands with soap and water is the best intervention.  Hand sanitizer is not better than soap and water and should only be used until you can get to a sink to wash your hands.  Do so often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
Visit the Iowa Department of Public Health for more information: https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT:
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
rgehl@cityofdubuque.org

This message is from the Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management Team, which includes staff from the from the Dubuque County Health Department, City of Dubuque Health Department, Dubuque County Emergency Management Agency, and the Dubuque Visiting Nurse Association.
 
Please do not reply to this message.  If you would like additional information on this issue, please visit https://dubuquecounty.org/health-department/covid-19/