Iowa reports 1,649 new virus cases, 10 more deaths

Iowa on Wednesday reported 1,649 new COVID-19 cases and 10 additional confirmed deaths from the virus in the 24 hours ending at 11 a.m.

The state reported 4,159 people were tested for the virus in the 24-hour period, with a 39.64 positivity rate.

Of the new cases, 215 were among children up to age 18, a category that's seen 29,003 cases since March.

Wednesday's numbers bring the state's number of known cases to 278,600 since March, with COVID-19 deaths totaling 3,822, according to Iowa Department of Public Health numbers analyzed by The Gazette.

Because the Iowa Department of Public Health changed how it tracks and reports deaths in early December, there can be a longer time between when someone dies of COVID-19 and when the death is confirmed and reported on the state's website.

In other words, the daily death count doesn't necessarily reflect how many Iowans died of the virus in the past 24 hours.

Of the deaths reported Wednesday, three were in Allamakee County and two were in Dickinson County, with one each in Dallas, Hamilton, Marshall, Polk and Woodbury counties.

Hospitalizations

Across the state, 612 individuals were hospitalized with the virus as of 11 a.m. Wednesday. That's down from Tuesday's 620, but up from Monday's 586.

The number of patients in intensive care units increased from Tuesday's 117 to 127. The number of patients on ventilators inched downward from 67 to 66.

Counties

Linn County reported 55 new virus cases, bringing the county's total to 16,486. The seven-day average for new cases is 48.

Johnson County added 62 new cases, bringing its total to 11,018. The seven-day average for new cases is 43.

Long-term care

According to the state's outbreak list, 111 of Iowa's long-term care facilities were facing a COVID-19 outbreak Wednesday - meaning three of more COVID-19 cases among residents and staff. Outbreaks were reported at 114 facilities Tuesday.

Within those facilities, 4,749 individuals currently have the virus and 1,139 individuals have died since the start of the pandemic.

Meth-Wick Health Center in Cedar Rapids was removed from the outbreak list.

Still dealing with outbreaks are West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids, 40 cases; Northbrook Manor Care Center in Cedar Rapids, 51; Lantern Park Specialty Care in Coralville, 35; ABCM Rehabilitation Centers of Independence East campus, 33; and Monticello Nursing & Rehab Center, 72.

Comments: (319) 398-8255; gage.miskimen@thegazette.com