Last week, there were 65 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Winneshiek County

The latest reports from the Iowa Department of Public Health show that there were 65 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Winneshiek county last week.

In the first five months of the epidemic, there were 85 confirmed cases, but in five days last week, there were 64 cases.

Winneshiek County Public Health Director Krista Vanden Brink says the increase in COVID-19 cases comes from several hot spots throughout the county--not just one.  She says, "Many individuals do not have any symptoms and so they often are not aware they are positive for COVID until perhaps others become ill.  Several others brush off any symptoms as 'allergies' or a 'summer cold.'  The allergy counts have been very high lately, so it is easy to understand why people have those thoughts.  If you normally don't have symptoms at this time of year, then maybe it's something to discuss with your healthcare provider."

She says her department does not give out names or locations of positive cases--it gives out  the number of active cases they're following.  County Health can share the number of people who may be hospitalized or receiving medical care, but cannot share where that individual is hospitalized.

Vanden Brink says her department is learning that people have a lot of contacts which have to be informed of a positive case.  She is passing along five tips to help keep us all safe:

1) Keep your social circle very, very small.  If you happen to be COVID positive public health will need to call those individuals whom you identify as close contacts.  The fewer people you're around, the fewer people who you will potentially infect.

2) Maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more with others.  This is especially important to do when you are with others who do not live in the same household as you.  They may be family but, unless they live in the same house as you, keep 6 feet between you and them.

3) Wear a face covering, especially when you cannot maintain the 6-foot distance, such as when you are buying groceries or other supplies.  We understand that wearing masks has become old and we're all tired of it but, it does help.

4) Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

5) Stay home when you are sick.