(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Public Health reported late Tuesday of the state’s first death due to the COVID-19 virus. Governor Kim Reynolds opened Wednesday’s press conference by extending the thoughts and prayers of the state to the family during this difficult time.
“Out of respect for them, we will not share specific details about their loved one,” said Governor Reynolds. “But I can confirm the individual who passed away was an older adult 61-80 years of age and a resident of Dubuque County, and again our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”
On Wednesday, The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 21-new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total of 145 cases in Iowa. There are now 2,578 total negative tests. One new county added for a total of 31 counties, and 23 hospitalized as of Tuesday evening.
“The mitigation efforts and policies we put in place are intended to protect Iowans most at risk,” said Reynolds. “Those individuals are older adults above the age of 60, and those with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Eight out the 10 deaths reported in the United States have been an adult 65-years and older. As the virus continues to spread it’s even more important those most vulnerable take extra precautions of getting exposed and getting sick.”
The Governor says family members for someone with high-risk should follow these important steps. Know their medications, make sure they have enough on hand, monitor any medical supplies they need, create a backup plan, and stay in regular contact with them. “Now is a critical time when each of us can make a difference on the impact COVID-19 will have in Iowa,” stated Reynolds. “We all have a role and responsibility to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect the health of our fellow Iowans. As I say at every one of these press conferences, please do your part and protect the vulnerable.
“Every day we’re assessing our mitigation efforts to slow the spread of the virus and determining whether it’s time to turn the dial-up, or turn the dial down,” said Governor Reynolds. “We are making these decisions based matrix outlined by the Iowa Department of Public Health. That matrix will indicate what and when additional steps should be taken.”
The matrix considered when making mitigation implementation includes; the percent of the population 65 or older, The percent of positive cases requiring hospitalization, the rate of infection per 100,000 Iowans in the past 14-days, and the number of outbreaks in long-term care facilities.
(File Photo: courtesy of Kelcey Kremer/Des Moines Register)
