The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Audubon County Public Health have identified an additional case of COVID-19 in the county. Officials have not yet disclosed the age bracket of the person affected, or other details. The data had not been updated on the IDPH website as of this (Thursday) morning. The previous COVID-19 case was reported near the end of March, was in a person age 61-to 80 who was self-isolating at home.

Audubon County Public Health Director Bob Nelson, Wednesday, issued some tips on how to help prevent the spread of the virus. It’s important, he said, for everyone to stay home as much as possible and to practice social distancing – this simply means to stay away from groups of people, and to keep a 6-foot distance from other individuals.”

Nelson said symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever (with a temperature of 100.4-degrees or greater), and shortness of breath. If you experience those symptoms, call your health care provider before going into their office.

All residents should continue to practice:

• Staying home when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldn’t prevent you from your everyday activities)
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

In addition, leave your home only for essential errands like getting groceries or getting medication. And when you run those types of errands, send only one person from the household, if possible.