Iowa’s coronavirus deaths surpass 5,500, state reports 627 new cases

COVID-19 has now killed more than 5,500 people in Iowa since the virus appeared in the state last March.

The state reported three new, confirmed deaths during the 24-hour period ending at 11 a.m. Wednesday, bringing Iowa's death toll to 5,501.

The three deaths occurred between Feb. 1 and Feb. 4 and were all of individuals over the age of 80.

Two of the deaths occurred in Dallas County and one was reported in Woodbury County.

New cases

Iowa added 627 new COVID-19 cases in the 24-hour period, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health, bringing the state's total number of cases to 337,594.

The new cases came from 3,561 individual tests, for a one-day positivity rate of 17.6 percent.

The state's seven-day average for new cases was 499.

Linn County added 20 new cases Wednesday, bringing the total cases in the county to 19,451 since March. The county's seven-day average of new cases was 21 and its seven-day positivity rate was 1.66 percent.

Johnson County added 20 cases, for a total of 13,110 and a seven-day average of 18. The county's seven-day positivity rate was 1.96 percent.

Of the state's new cases, 98 were among individuals 17 and younger, bringing the total number of minors infected with COVID-19 to 38,081.

Three new COVID-19 cases were reported among education workers during the 24-hour period, bringing that total to 7,727.

Hospitalizations

Across the state, COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped from 209 to 191.

Patients in intensive care nudged downward, from 39 to 40.

The number of on ventilators to help them breathe remained at 11 - the lowest number of patients on ventilators recorded since the state started releasing that data on March 31, 2020.

Long-term care

As of Wednesday, 12 of Iowa's long-term care facilities were experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, down two from Tuesday. An outbreak is three or more cases among staff and residents.

Within those facilities, 178 individuals were positive with the virus, a decrease of 59 in the 24-hour period.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 2,181 individuals have died of COVID-19 within long-term care facilities.

Vaccinations

As of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, 742,408 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Iowa, with 715,197 going to Iowa residents.

Statewide, 350,218 individuals have received one dose of the two-dose series, while 196,106 are fully vaccinated.

In Linn County, 54,934 total doses have been administered, and 16,122 people - or 9.25 percent of the adult population - have completed the vaccine.

In Johnson County, 49,626 total doses have been administered, and 15,599 - or 12.88 percent of the adult population - have completed the vaccine.

Who can get the vaccine?

Front-line health care workers, residents and staff at long-term care facilities, and Iowans 65 and older are eligible to receive vaccines now.

Iowans under 65 may qualify for a vaccine if they meet criteria in the groups below. The tiers of Phase 1B are ranked in order of vaccination priority:

' Tier 1: First responders such as firefighters, police officers and child welfare social workers; school staff and early childhood education and child care workers.

' Tier 2: Food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing workers who work or live in congregate settings that don't allow for social distancing; people with disabilities living in home settings and their caregivers.

' Tier 3: Staff and residents in congregate living settings that include shelters, behavioral health treatment centers, sober living homes and detention centers (but not college dorms); government officials and staff working at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session.

' Tier 4: Inspectors responsible for hospital, long-term care and child safety.

' Tier 5: Correctional facility staff and incarcerated people in state and local facilities.

People who don't meet those criteria will have to wait. The state will announce when other ages and occupational categories qualify.

Comments: (319) 398-8238; kat.russell@thegazette.com

John McGlothlen of The Gazette contributed.