The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports 374 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed this (Friday) morning, pushing the state’s total to 14,049. Eighteen additional coronavirus-related deaths were also recorded Friday, marking 336 deaths to date. As more of the state reopens today (Friday), Gov. Kim Reynolds responded to questions from reporters about a possible surge in cases. According to Reynolds, state health officials will closely monitor case numbers, potential outbreaks and available hospital beds and will consider reimplementing mitigation measures if the data suggests that is necessary. During their daily update, Carroll County Public Health Director, Nikki Schwering, cited a past study by the City of Carroll to highlight the importance of virus prevention. That study shows the community nearly doubles in population during the day as residents of the surrounding area commute to work, shop, visit physicians and more. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in nearby counties, Schwering reminds everyone to continue physical distancing practices, stay home as much as possible, wear masks when you must go out, wash hands frequently with soap and water and stay home when feeling ill. As for case numbers in the listening area, Calhoun County remains at a single confirmed case, and Sac County has increased to four. Carroll County stands at eight cases, Audubon at 11, Greene at 13 and Guthrie County at 37. Crawford County’s total has grown to 336 cases as of Friday. For more information on COVID-19 in Iowa or to complete a Test Iowa assessment, follow the links included below.
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