A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Montgomery County. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is between 41-60 years of age who has recently traveled outside of the United States and is currently isolating at home. Although the virus is spreading throughout the state, residents should not assume the risk is any less because this is a travel-related case.

Montgomery County Public Health Administrator, Samantha Beeson says “While this is Montgomery County’s first case of COVID-19, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to adhere to guidelines and restrictions provided by IDPH and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).”

Those actions include:
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Staying home when ill.

Beeson said “As we see positive cases turn up, Montgomery County Public Health will continue to follow Iowa privacy laws while being as transparent as possible to the public. But because there is community spread of COVID-19, detailed tracing is no longer necessary, as we know the virus is circulating in the community and the risk of virus spread is the same for all community members, not just those in close contact with the person who tested positive.”

“Montgomery County Public Health’s general practice will be to not disclose specific towns or cities of where residents with confirmed positive tests reside. However, we will share as much information as we are legally able to,” Beeson added.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Iowa Coronavirus webpage at https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/