Additional Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed in Howard County

CRESCO - Two additional cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Howard County. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), one individual is an adult (18-40 years old) and the other is a middle-aged adult (41-60 years old). All appropriate containment measures have been put in place.

We continue to encourage all residents to follow prevention measures recommended by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IPDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important that we all do our part by following these recommendations, including:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.

• Wearing cloth face coverings in public places.

• Staying home when ill.

• Staying home when healthy and only going out for essentials.

• Practicing social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet of space between you and others.

• Not gathering. Only spend time around immediate family that live in your household.

Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house. Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider from home using technology.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.