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Live updates: Waterloo father, 35, recovering after nearly dying of COVID-19

See the latest coronavirus updates from Local 5 as we work to separate facts from fear.

Text FACTS to 515-457-1026 for the latest coronavirus coverage or TRACK to access data on statewide coronavirus testing, cases and deaths.

You can also view the latest Iowa Department of Public Health data here.

May 24, 2020

Waterloo father, 35, recovering after nearly dying of COVID-19

A 35-year-old Waterloo husband and father is recovering after nearly dying last month of the coronavirus. Doctors at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics warned his family last month that Elvir Alicajic was likely within hours of succumbing to the virus. 

But after plasma and dialaysis treatments, Alicajic's condition improved and he soon woke up from a medical coma. Alicajic has been transferred to Allen Hospital in Waterloo, where he is regaining the ability to walk on his own and hopes to leave soon. 

Alicajic's friend and neighbor says the experience has been shocking and scary for everyone involved, and left the family with “outrageous” medical expenses.

Credit: AP
In this undated photo provided by Dzemal Grcic, Elvir Alicajic, right, is seen with his friend Grcic at his home in Waterloo, Iowa. Doctors at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics believed that Alicajic was likely within hours of succumbing to the coronavirus last month, before he made a remarkable recovery. Still, Grcic says the experience has been a "nightmare" for everyone involved. (Courtesy of Dzemal Grcic via AP)

Reporting by The Associated Press, Ryan J. Foley

Filipino American Society, Creative Visions team up to feed 400+ people

The Filipino American Society is partnering with Creative Visions to feed 400 people plus on Sunday for Pagtulong Day. Pagtulong means "helping" according to FAS. 

The two nonprofits are coming together in hopes of helping Des Moines residents in need.

The food drive is scheduled from 12-4 p.m. at Creative Visions. The address is 1343 13th Street in Des Moines. You can request a delivery by calling 515-244-4003.

Very excited for this honor in helping the community!

May 23, 2020

Iowa's coronavirus website under maintenance, case counts may not reflect current data

The current data presented on coronavirus.iowa.gov may not reflect actual data over Memorial Day Weekend. 

A notice at the top of the website says there is planned maintenance on the website from 6:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, through 6:00 a.m. Monday, May 25. Because of this, the Case Counts Dashboard "will not reflect accurate counts" during this time.

Credit: WOI
Case counts on the Iowa coronavirus website may not be accurate over Memorial Day Weekend due to planned maintenance.

RELATED: Real-time updates: Iowa coronavirus cases, deaths and testing

Outlets of Des Moines distributing food with Gino's Italian Foods

The Outlets of Des Moines is hosting a drive-up meal kit distribution with Gino's Italian foods from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday. 

A release says 1,000 kits will be distributed. Each kit will have pasta noodles, Gino's spaghetti sauce, a head of lettuce and salad dressing. The drive-up is first come, first serve.

The drive-up will be behind Polo Ralph Lauren.

Gov. Reynolds orders flags to fly half-staff in memory of COVID-19 victims

From sunrise on Saturday to sunset on Sunday, all flags in Iowa should be lowered to half-staff. That's according to a proclamation from Gov. Kim Reynolds office.

This order is in conjunction with President Donald Trump's proclamation honoring the victims of COVID-19 in the United States.

Half Staff Flag

RELATED: Des Moines grandmother, business owner dies from COVID-19 complications

RELATED: VERIFY: Can hand sanitizer cause your car to catch fire?

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