Additional Test Recommendation; Reminder on COVID Treatment Options; 41* New Cases Reported Since April 13
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Additional Test Recommendation
In addition to isolating when you have COVID symptoms, the Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management Team encourages residents who are symptomatic for COVID-19, but test negative with a rapid self-test, to follow-up that test with a Test Iowa PCR test.
Rapid, at-home tests (antigen tests) cannot detect small amounts of the virus or asymptomatic cases as accurately as the PCR test can, so there is a greater chance for a false negatives with rapid tests. PCR tests can detect even a small trace of the virus in your system whereas the rapid, at-home tests can only determine if you have an active virus in your body.
Test Iowa test kits are free and available for pick-up at multiple locations in Dubuque County. View a complete list of locations.
Currently, the average time for Test Iowa results (email confirmation) after being received at the lab is 12-24 hours.
Reminder on COVID Treatment Options
If you test positive and are an older adult or someone who is at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, treatment may be available. Contact a healthcare provider right away after a positive test to determine if you are eligible, even if your symptoms are mild.
Treatment options may include:
- Monoclonal Antibody Treatments could help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus.
- Oral Antiviral Medications target specific parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can help reduce its multiplication and spread through the patient’s body.
Multiple locations in Dubuque County can provide COVID-19 oral antiviral medications to residents who receive a prescription from a qualified health care provider. View location information.
Prescriptions are required for these treatments so don’t delay. Treatment must be started within the first few days to be effective.
41* New Cases Reported Since April 13
NEW POSITIVES
https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Reporting
- 41* new positive cases reported since Apr. 13.
- Total positive cases/individuals reported to date = 25,987
* Due to the wide availability of at-home rapid tests, the results of which are usually not reported/recorded, it is widely believed that new COVID cases are underreported. The number reported in this update is the number of new cases reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
HOSPITALIZATIONS
- 2 County Hospitalizations: Today, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center has 2 inpatients with COVID-19 and UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital has no inpatients hospitalized with COVID for a total of 2 persons hospitalized with COVID in Dubuque County.
DEATHS
- No new deaths reported since Mar. 16.
- Total deaths related to COVID to date = 294
COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION RATE
Dubuque County COVID-19 Community Level = LOW
CDC Guidance for Low Community Level:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
- Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible
- Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
- If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease:
- Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP, and monoclonal antibodies
VACCINATIONS
- 64.4% of all county residents are fully vaccinated
- 55.9% of all county residents fully vaccinated have received a booster
Please do not reply to this message. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call 563-556-6200.
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