Howard County COVID cases

HOWARD COUNTY (From Sept. 2, 2020) - The numbers regarding positive COVID-19 cases are very fluid. They can change several times a day on the Iowa website https://coronavirus.iowa.gov.

As of Monday, Aug. 31, the numbers show that since the coronavirus hit the state at the beginning of the year, Howard County has had 133 cases. Of those, 61 have recovered, leaving 72 still showing symptoms. There have been two deaths in the county. 

Howard County was listed as the fourth highest in the state for positive cases, a percentage of 20.7. 

Area county numbers show Chickasaw County with a total of  109 testing positive over the past five-and-a-half months, with 80 recovered, leaving 33 active cases.

Mitchell County has had a total of 107, with 76 recovered, leaving 31 active cases.

Winneshiek County has had 217 individuals test positive and 114 have recovered. That leaves 103 active positive cases. There have been three deaths.

Both Howard and Winneshiek’s rise in numbers over the past two weeks is due to outbreaks at two long-term care facilities. Cresco’s Evans Memorial Home has had 27 residents test positive, but 13 have already recovered, leaving 14 still active.

Aase Haugen of Decorah has had 21 cases with two recoveries. That facility still has 19 active COVID-19 cases.

Regional Health Services of Howard County has offered, “As you may be aware, Howard County and the surrounding areas have recently seen an increase in COVID-19 positive cases. We also regret to report that Howard County has had its first and second deaths due to COVID-19. 

“It is important to note that the majority of these increased case numbers have resulted from an outbreak in a local long-term care facility. However, this does not mean it cannot continue to spread throughout the members of our community. Each positive case is now being traced by the state, however, Howard County Public Health continues to check in with COVID-19 positive residents frequently to ensure their questions are answered and they are on their way to recovery. 

“As our cases increase, you may also notice that Howard County’s 14-day percentage positive cases statistic rises as well. 

“Although this percentage is high, the decision to shift school from in-person to online learning also requires 10% student body absenteeism. School decisions will be made carefully and collaboratively between multiple entities including the school district, local public health, and the state public health department. All decisions are determined using state and federal health guidance with a goal to keep our community safe and healthy. 

“Healthcare professionals from RHSHC have assisted in guiding and educating each school in Cresco. They have also provided hand sanitizing stations to each school for student and staff use. 

“If you or a loved one has concerns or symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider. It is everyone’s responsibility to help keep our community healthy. At RHSHC, we offer options such as telehealth video visits and a separate respiratory clinic to ensure our patients feel safe. Please continue to remain diligent in practicing masking, hand hygiene, and social distancing. For current COVID-19 statistics and information, go to www.coronavirus.iowa.gov.”

Evans Memorial Home Administrator Amy Murphy stated, “Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been in very close communication with local and state health officials to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps. The wellbeing and safety of our residents is a top priority for Evans Memorial Home. Due to patient privacy laws, we are unable to share any specific information about the confirmed cases in our facility.

“We continue to screen all essential personnel as they enter and leave the building. Staff are wearing appropriate PPE, and residents are offered cloth face masks. We are following general public health best practices: handwashing, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and covering coughs. 

“We are restricting all non-essential personnel, per direction from local health department (as well as the federal/state government). We will continue to keep family members up-to-date, so they have the latest information about their loved ones. Family members can interact with their loved ones by using video chat, calling, texting or checking in on social media. 

“I am extremely proud of the staff at Evans Memorial Home, they have gone above and beyond to ensure the residents receive the best care possible during this unprecedented time. I am grateful to live in the Cresco community, the outpouring of support has been tremendous and much appreciated.”