118 more Iowans have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Friday morning, bringing the state's total to 1,388.
14,565 tests have returned negative for the coronavirus as of Friday, an increase of 862, and 506 Iowans have recovered as of Thursday evening.
Gov. Reynolds announced two additional deaths Friday, bringing the state's total to 31.
Reynolds said that the State Hygienic Lab has the capacity to test 1,974.
81 total counties now have a confirmed case of the coronavirus.
The Iowa DPH put out the following county-by-county breakdown of new cases:
According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 118 individuals include:
- Allamakee County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60)
- Black Hawk County, 6 adults (18-40 years), 7 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Cedar County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
- Clarke County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
- Clayton County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
- Clinton County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Dubuque County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
- Fayette County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
- Harrison County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Henry County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Jasper County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
- Johnson County, 1 child (0-17 years), 5 adults (18-40 years), 6 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
- Linn County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)
- Louisa County, 5 adults (18-40 years), 6 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 3 older adults (61-80 years)
- Marshall County, 2 adults (41-60 years)
- Muscatine County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 8 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Osceola County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
- Polk County, 6 adults (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Pottawattamie County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
- Scott County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 6 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years, 1 elderly adult (81+)
- Tama County, 4 adults (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years)
- Union County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Wapello County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
- Warren County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
- Washington County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Winnebago County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
- Woodbury County, 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years)
For the latest coronavirus coverage, text FACTS to 515-457-1026.
Friday, April 10
First Iowa Department of Corrections employee tests positive for COVID-19
Leaders from the Iowa Department of Corrections said a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first employee from the department to test positive for the virus.
They said the staffer is a corrections officer at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center.
The DOC said no inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 so far.
Governor Kim Reynolds adds extra regulatory relief to public health emergency declaration
On Friday, Governor Kim Reynolds' office announced she's signed a proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration. The governor has included new provisions that aim to provide regulatory relief to health care professionals and education, among others.
It also removes "certain in-person regulatory requirements" for schools across the state.
Drake University moving summer classes to all-online format
Drake Unviersity administrators announced Friday in a campus-wide e-mail the university plans to remotely delivery all of its courses through the summer sessions. The university said the move was made as they believe the affects of COVID-19 could linger into June.
More information about what Drake is doing is available here.
Number of unemployment claims up over 3,000 percent from this time last year
This week's report from the Department of Labor shows a third record level of initial unemployment claims, both here in Iowa and nationwide. Nationally, initial and continued claims have both gone up compared to this week last year, with the number of initial claims going up by 3,063.8 percent and continued claims raising by 339.3 percent. Meanwhile, Iowa numbers are up even more in terms of percentile, registering 3,682.8 percent more initial and 293.3 percent more continued unemployment claims from the same week a year ago.
Central Iowa VA hiring during COVID-19 crisis
The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is hiring for temporary health care professions, according to a release.
"Some professions could translate into a permanent opportunity," the VA says.
Positions include:
- Physicians
- Anesthesiologists
- Physician Assistants
- Nurse Practitioners
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Clinical Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Health Technicians
- Intermediate Care Technicians
- Registered Respiratory Therapists
- Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist
- Supply Technicians
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Medical Support Assistants
- Housekeeping Assistant
"In addition, VA Central Iowa Health Care System is reaching out to recent retirees with experience in high-need areas during our COVID-19 response," the release states. "Dual compensation waivers can be authorized for these individuals, which allows retirees to receive annuities while receiving full compensation for employment. Approved waivers are not to exceed a one-year appointment."
For a complete listing of opportunities, please visit www.vacareers.va.gov. Interested individuals can also apply by email: VHACIHStaffingSBU@va.gov.
Thursday, April 9
Iowa Clinic location in Indianola temporarily closes
Leaders from The Iowa Clinic said their location in Indianola is temporarily closing after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. They said the staffer was asymptotic.
They say the staff member in question was using proper PPE protocol, but say their policy is to take further precautions. In a statement, Clinic leaders said they don't feel patients at the Indianola location are at risk for exposure.
State sees largest one-day jump in positive cases
With 125 new positive COVID-19 cases, Iowa is now at 1,270 total. The increase marks the state's largest one-day increase in positive cases so far.
The recovery rate remains at 38%, according to Gov. Reynolds.
The Iowa Department of Public Health also provided an update on their region-by-region assessment:
- Region 1: Level 8
- Region 2: Level 7
- Region 3: Level 6
- Region 4: Level 6
- Region 5: Level 9
- Region 6: Level 8
Des Moines Public Schools cancels spring events
The following information was released by Iowa's largest school district:
Commencements
Alternatives for how to celebrate the Class of 2020 are actively being considered, in a way other than the traditional ceremony involving thousands of people in an auditorium in late May. DMPS is exploring how this will be implemented and is committed to recognizing the accomplishments of our newest graduates.
Performing Arts
All concerts, musicals, plays and other performing arts events are cancelled for Spring 2020 and will not be rescheduled.
Proms
All DMPS high school spring proms are canceled. High schools are looking at alternatives, such as holding at a later date. Details will be shared when known.
Sports
The spring sports season for DMPS high schools is cancelled. The school district will re-evaluate on June 1 and decide when to resume practices and competitions for the summer sports season. Any changes to summer sports camps, if any, will be announced at a later date.
Hospitals ordered to give daily COVID-19 data to state
Weeks into the coronavirus outbreak, Iowa hospitals have been ordered to report daily statistics to the state on the number of patients they’re treating and whether they have enough resources.
The Iowa Department of Public Health issued an order April 3 requiring hospitals to report every day on the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized, in intensive care and on ventilators. Gov. Kim Reynolds has said repeatedly that data is driving her decisions on how to manage the outbreak.
Iowa Department of Public Health deputy director Sarah Reisetter said Wednesday that the mandatory order was necessary because hospitalization numbers haven’t always been accurate or timely.
Reporting by The Associated Press
Iowa sees 67K unemployment claims for week ending April 4
New unemployment numbers show that 67,334 Iowans filed initial claims last week, an increase of 11,368.
64,187 initial claims were filed by people who work and live in Iowa, while 3,147 were filed by individuals who work in Iowa but live in another state.
The latest total sets a record for the state, which was previously held by the week ending in March 28.
According to Iowa Workforce Development, the following industries had the most claims:
- Health Care and Social Assistance (9,632)
- Manufacturing (9,218)
- Retail Trade (8,088)
- Accommodation and Food Services (7,123)
- Construction (2,696)
The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims is 92,962 and $27,565,232.79 of unemployment insurance benefits were paid to claimants.
Des Moines Public Works Crews put indefinite delay on large item pick up
Des Moines Public Works published a YouTube announcing that because of COVID-19, they've put an indefinite hold on picking up large items.
"It's a decision we had to make for the health and safety of our team," Director of Public Works Jonathan Gano Said.
Garbage, recycling and yard waste will continue to be picked up as regularly scheduled.
Appliance disposal must be labeled and pick-ups must be arranged by phone at 515-283-4950.
School districts prepare to finish school online
As of noon Wednesday, the Iowa Department of Education says they've received 212 district responses with plans for continuous learning as requested by Gov. Reynolds.
"Based on the Technology Needs Survey we shared last week, we’ve been developing a system for students to check-out Chromebooks as well as plans to support families in need of Internet access," Urbandale Community School District Superintendent Steve Bass wrote in a letter to parents. "Once both plans are finalized, we will be contacting families who have expressed a need for a device and/or Internet access. We will do everything possible to ensure all students have access to our weekly learning plans."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact and staying home if you are sick as main areas of focus for prevention and containment of COVID-19.