Greene County surpassed 500 total cases of Covid-19 over the weekend, with the addition of 40 cases in the last three days. Greene County public health director Becky Wolf reported Monday, Nov. 23, there have been a total of 504 cases in the county. Of those 316 persons have Covid-19 now and 188 have recovered. There have been 210 new cases in the past 14 days, 101 in the past seven days, and nine in the past 24 hours.
The average positivity rate of testing over the past 14 days is 23.9 percent, down slightly. Days to double is at 17.
No deaths were reported this past week; the total number of Greene County residents who have died of Covid-19 remains at one. Forty-five percent of the total patients had no pre-existing health condition and 26 percent had no Covid symptoms.
Wolf stresses that persons who test positive should remain isolated from other household members and expect to be contacted by staff from Greene County public health or the Iowa Department of Public Health. Persons who have questions can call Greene County public health at 515-386-0564.
Breakdown for age groups for positive cases is as follows:
- 0-18 years: 16 percent
- 19-39 years: 29 percent
- 40-59 years: 31 percent
- 60-74 years: 21 percent
- 80 and older: 5 percent
Positive cases by zip code are:
- Jefferson: 276
- Scranton: 68
- Churdan: 38
- Grand Junction: 41
- Rippey: 22
- Paton: 22
- Dana: 1
There were no new cases reported among persons with Churdan or Rippey zip codes.
Gov Kim Reynolds and the Greene County board of supervisors have mandated all persons older than 2 years old who are physically able must wear a mask when in a public place and unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
As cases continue to increase rapidly in Greene County, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to do so with the people you live with. Wolf reminds Greene Countians that gatherings with family and friends who do NOT live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. She provides tips for staying as safe as possible:
- Get a flu shot now-it takes up to two weeks for your body to build immunity.
- Wear a mask with two or more layers to protect yourself and others from the virus
- Keep at least six feet (about two arms lengths) from others, especially those at higher risk of getting sick
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when unable to wash hands
- Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils
- Avoid going in and out of areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as the kitchen
- Use single-use options (condiment packets, food containers, plates, utensils)
- Consider a small outdoor meal, limiting the number of guests (no more than 15). Inform guests ahead of time about expectations for safe gathering
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use
- If indoors, open windows and doors
- Consider a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live with you
- Participate in a gratitude activity: Share what you are grateful for!
