DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Tuesday that five more cases of the coronavirus, COVID-19, have emerged in Iowa, bringing to 13 the number of cases confirmed in the state since the outbreak of the illness in late 2019.
All five new cases are older adults (61 to 80 years) from Johnson County who were on the same Egyptian cruise as seven other presumptive positive cases, the IDPH said.
Fourteen additional tests were negative, the IDPH said, and all five new cases are in self-isolation and recovering at home.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Monday a proclamation of disaster emergency, activating the disaster response and recovery aspects of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s Iowa Emergency Response Plan.
The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use resources, including personnel, equipment and facilities, to perform activities necessary to prevent contain and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
COVID-19 was first linked to an outbreak in Wuhan, China, but cases have subsequently been identified in several countries, including the U.S.
The IDPH encourages all Iowans to take the recommended precautions to prevent the spread of the virus:
- to wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20-30 second
- to cover your coughs and sneezes
- to stay home from work if you feel unwell
People who suspect they have contracted the coronavirus should call ahead to their doctor or health care provider to make arrangements for treatment. Iowans with questions of any kind should call the 24-hour call center by dialing 2-1-1 or visit the IDPH website.
ThePerryNews.com will update this story as information becomes available.
