Public Health: "You can't assume the coronavirus has gone away"

Several staffers from the Winneshiek County Public Health Nursing Service wore face masks when they were outside their homes over the weekend.  Public Health Director Krista Vanden Brink says they were greeted with looks and questions about "Why are you wearing a mask?"

She is repeating that the COVID-19 virus "still is here."  Vanden Brink says wearing a mask when you're out in public is still "critical."  She's asking the public to remain patient, adding "this is the new normal."

As of Monday morning, Winneshiek County has had 18 people who have tested positive for having the coronavirus.  The Iowa Department of Public Health reports 9 of those 18 patients have recovered.  Vanden Brink says several more patients were released from isolation over the weekend, so the county total should be increasing.

But don't let the positive news change your habits.  Cautions Vanden Brink, "We're still in a waiting game."