Winneshiek County nears 500 COVID-19 cases

The number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to climb in the six-county region of NE Iowa. Winneshiek County reports 473 cases, followed by Clayton County (421), Fayette County (375), Allamakee County (366), Chickasaw County (356), and  Howard (269). Cumulatively, NE Iowa reports a total of 2,260 COVID-19 cases.

There have been 1,637 deaths statewide, with 38 deaths being from NE Iowa. Winneshiek, Allamakee, and Howard Counties have had 9 deaths, Fayette County has had 4 deaths, Clayton County has had 3 deaths, and Chickasaw County has had 1 death.

Winneshiek County Public Health Director Krista Vanden Brink reports locally, 43 people are currently in isolation, while others are in quarantine. Six people are still hospitalized, with two of them in intensive care.

"A vaccine is not going to be a cure-all," says VandenBrink. "People need to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing—even if they're developing 'mask fatigue.'"