The number of positive cases of Covid-19 in Greene County continues to increase, reaching 222 as of Tuesday morning, Nov. 3, according to Greene County director of public health Becky Wolf. There have been 38 new cases in the past 14 days, 24 in the past seven days and six in the past three days.
The average positivity rate over the past 14 days is 7.5 percent.
There are currently 80 active cases and 142 persons have recovered. Forty-seven percent had no pre-existing health condition and 30 percent had no Covid symptoms.
According to Greene County Schools, there were six elementary staff absent from school Monday who had tested positive for the virus. One high school staff member was absent due to the virus. Also on Monday, two high school students and one middle school student were Covid-positive.
Breakdown for age groups for positive cases is as follows:
- 0-18 years: 12 percent
- 19-39 years: 36 percent
- 40-59 years: 33 percent
- 60-74 years: 16 percent
- 80 and older: 3 percent
People who have active Covid-19 should remain isolated as recommended by Greene County public health, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control. They should remain isolated until there is no fever for at least 24 hours (without any over-the-counter medication) AND symptoms have improved AND at least 10 days have passed since the onset of symptoms.
Wearing a mask, especially when in close proximity to others, is crucial for slowing the spread of Covid-19, but masks must be worn correctly to decrease the risk of becoming infected and spreading the virus to others. Common mistakes when wearing masks include
- Dangling the mask from one ear
- Wearing the mask below the nose
- Resting the mask below the chin.
A mask must cover both the nose and mouth to be effective.
