Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Additional Test Recommendation

 
In addition to isolating when you have COVID symptoms, the Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management Team encourages residents who are symptomatic for COVID-19, but test negative with a rapid self-test, to follow-up that test with a Test Iowa PCR test.

Rapid, at-home tests (antigen tests) cannot detect small amounts of the virus or asymptomatic cases as accurately as the PCR test can, so there is a greater chance for a false negatives with rapid tests.  PCR tests can detect even a small trace of the virus in your system whereas the rapid, at-home tests can only determine if you have an active virus in your body.

Test Iowa test kits are free and available for pick-up at multiple locations in Dubuque County, for a complete list, visit https://www.testiowa.com/en#find-a-pick-up-site

Currently, the average time for Test Iowa results (email confirmation) after being received at the lab is 12-24 hours. 

Reminder on COVID Treatment Options

If you test positive and are an older adult or someone who is at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, treatment may be available. Contact a healthcare provider right away after a positive test to determine if you are eligible, even if your symptoms are mild.  

Treatment options may include:

• Monoclonal Antibody Treatments could help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus.
  
  
• Oral Antiviral Medications target specific parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can help reduce its multiplication and spread through the patient’s body.
  
  Multiple locations in Dubuque County can provide COVID-19 oral antiviral medications to residents who receive a prescription from a qualified health care provider. For location information, visit https://covid-19-test-to-treat-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/

Prescriptions are required for these treatments so don’t delay. Treatment must be started within the first few days to be effective.

41* New Cases Reported Since April 13

NEW POSITIVES 

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

• 41* new positive cases reported since Apr. 13. 
• Total positive cases/individuals reported to date = 25,987

HOSPITALIZATIONS 

• 2 County Hospitalizations:  Today, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center has 2 inpatients with COVID-19 and UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital has no inpatients hospitalized with COVID 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.