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News and resources regarding COVID-19

Iowa COVID-19 Cases Now at 179; Woodbury County to Begin Drive Thru Testing

  

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COVID-19 cases have increased to 179 in Iowa 

The Iowa Department of Public Health says 34 more people have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. 

Drive-through testing for COVID-19 will start in Woodbury County tomorrow.

But, testing isn’t available for everyone.  It’s being held in an undisclosed location for patients with recommendations from their doctors.

“So, we will not be able to test all 103,000-plus of Siouxland residents.  We’re looking at doing this in an organized fashion.”

That’s Kevin Grieme (Greem) with Siouxland District Health who led a news conference this (Thursday) afternoon with the local health entities spearheading the testing.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were still two confirmed cases in Woodbury County.

“Our numbers of confirmed cases will increase, that’s a reality if you throw the net out a little further you’re probably going to catch more.”

Grieme says if you have mild symptoms stay home and self-isolate at home. 

He admits testing is still limited to help preserve preserves supplies and equipment.  

In Nebraska, drive-through testing began Tuesday at a Bryan Health location in Lincoln. At a news conference today, Governor Pete Rickets said the testing is taking place at the Lifepoint Clinic in south Lincoln. The clinic can test up to 60 people a day and will be open 7 days a week for four hours in the afternoon. Patients can only be tested with a doctor’s referral.

Tens of thousands of Iowa workers have lost their jobs as businesses follow orders to shut down during the coronavirus outbreak.

Iowa Workforce Development reports nearly 42,000 individuals filed new unemployment claims with the state in the week ending March 21. The largest portion of those claims came from workers in the category called Accommodation and Food Services. 

In a survey of its members, the Iowa Restaurant Association found more than 80 percent have laid-off workers as they see sharp drops in revenue.  

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