Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Another COVID Wave Expected
On July 15, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the public health emergency for three more months. COVID cases continue to rise as the Omicron subvariant BA5 takes over previous variants BA.2 and BA2.12.1.
In Dubuque County, all July-sequenced variants were the BA5 subvariants whereas June-sequenced variants were all BA2 and BA2.12.1 except for one BA4. With all the subvariants present in Dubuque County, the Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management Team expects another wave of new cases
These subvariants are immune evasive, meaning they can still infect those who are vaccinated, boosted, or have had COVID-19 in the past. However, vaccines and boosters are effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. Adults ages 50 years and older and people ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get 2 boosters.
Upcoming VNA Vaccination Clinics
No appointments are necessary for these free, walk-in vaccination clinics for COVID vaccinations and boosters at the Dubuque Visiting Nurses Association at 660 Iowa St. in Dubuque:
- Friday, July 22, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 29, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 5, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 8, 3 - 6 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 12, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 19, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 26, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 29, 3 - 6 p.m.
View a complete list of vaccine providers in Dubuque County.
191* New Cases and 1 Death Reported Since July 13
NEW POSITIVES
https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Reporting
- 191* new positive cases reported since July 13.
- Total positive cases/individuals reported to date = 27,954
* 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
- 8 County Hospitalizations: Today, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center has 6 inpatients with COVID-19 and UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital has 2 inpatients hospitalized with COVID for a total of 8 persons hospitalized with COVID in Dubuque County.
COMMUNITY LEVEL
Dubuque County COVID-19 Community Level = MEDIUM
CDC Guidance for MEDIUM Community Level:
If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions (e.g., testing)
- 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
If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease
- consider self-testing to detect infection before contact
- consider wearing a mask when indoors with them
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
COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION LEVEL
Dubuque County COVID-19 Community Transmission Level = HIGH
The CDC's Community Transmission Level is based on the number of new cases per 100,000 population and is used by local healthcare facilities to determine internal protocol and procedures.
DEATHS
- 1 new death reported since June 13.
- Total deaths related to COVID to date = 301
VACCINATIONS
- 65% of all county residents are fully vaccinated
- 57.2% of all county residents fully vaccinated have received a booster
Get current information on Dubuque County vaccination opportunities.
Get information on local COVID-19 testing options.
Please do not reply to this message. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call 563-556-6200.
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