In a press briefing on Thursday afternoon, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that the total number of cases of COVID-19 in Iowa is now up to 44. The cases are spread throughout 13 counties in the state, according to Reynolds.
The six new cases were confirmed by the Iowa Department of Public Health on Thursday evening.
According to IDPH, three individuals reside in Polk County: one adult, 19-40, one middle aged adult, 41-60, and one older adult, 61-80. One adult, 19-40, living in Muscatine County, has been confirmed along one middle aged adult 41-60 living in Dubuque County. One adult, 19-40, living in Johnson County has also been confirmed. Two additional non-residents of Iowa tested positive at Iowa healthcare facilities for COVID-19.
The state says it has testing capabilities for around 400 patients, but is encouraging those who are sick to call their doctors and be assessed over the phone. So far, 642 negative tests have been conducted at the State Hygienic Lab.
"We can not encourage that enough," Reynolds said. "If you are sick, stay home."
Reynolds said at this time she is not considering a shelter-in-place order.
A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa provided by IDPH can be found here [lnks.gd]. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The governor’s office and the Iowa Department of Public Health will be transitioning to mid morning updates as testing capabilities have expanded.