Winneshiek County's first coronavirus case is announced

The Iowa Department of Public Health late Wednesday afternoon announced a Winneshiek County resident has been diagnosed with coronavirus.

Little information has been given about the case because the IDPH guidelines have changed so that information about age ranges and recent travel which were previously given out will now be restricted.  The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has disclosed that the individual is self-isolating at home.

Winneshiek County Public Health Director Krista VandenBrink said, "While this is Winneshiek County's first case, it may not be the last, and that's why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority."  She is reminding people to wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm; and stay home when ill.

Health officials say around 80 percent of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only a mild to moderate illness. 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.

You can go out in public again when you have had no fever for at least three full days (72 hours) of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers; when other symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath have improved; and at least seven days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you think you may need healthcare, call your doctor or hostpial before leaving your house.  Your healthcare 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.