One new case of COVID-19 has been confirmed by testing in Boone County. This test result was reported to Public Health late Wednesday.
“As we gain more tests, it is not surprising to have more confirmed cases in Boone County. And that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Boone County Board of Public Health Chair Dr. Brian Mehlhaus.
These actions include:
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
- Staying home when ill.
Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness. 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. 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.
Public Health Director Deb Pestotnik cautions that this may “be the calm before the storm.” Boone County, along with everyone in the world, must continue to be vigilant in their efforts to restrict social contact, practice hand hygiene and stay home with any signs of illness in order to minimize the spread of COVID19.
Local officials in public health, law enforcement and emergency services have been made aware of these confirmed cases, and are taking appropriate pre-cautionary steps to keep our community healthy.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.
