The seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate has climbed to over 20 percent in the region and is beginning to put a strain on larger hospital systems. The latest data available from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) shows more than 800 positive tests have been reported over the last week in the seven-county area. Dr. Jill Murray, a family medicine physician with St. Anthony Regional Hospital, says their COVID unit has not been pushed to its limit yet, but that is not the case for some of the more urban facilities.
Murray adds those transfers are where it gets concerning for patient care. She says individuals who experience severe symptoms and need additional treatment often have to wait several days before they can be moved to another hospital.
According to the IDPH, 991 Iowans were hospitalized with COVID as of Thursday with 182 patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Unvaccinated individuals account for 64 percent of the hospitalized patients and 72 percent of ICU patients. Hospitals often do not know what variant an individual has contracted, so doctors look at patient comorbidities and symptoms when a person first tests positive for COVID to determine risk.
She adds one of the chief benefits of being vaccinated is a significant reduction in complications from COVID if they do experience symptoms. Murray encourages anybody who has not been vaccinated or gotten their booster to attend Carroll County Public Health’s clinic scheduled for Friday, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer first, second and booster dozes will be available from 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at their offices on the St. Anthony campus. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 712-794-5279.
