On May 5th, Pottawattamie County Public Health reported three new COVID-19 cases. The total of COVID-19 cases in Pottawattamie County is now 62. Twenty-six individuals have recovered, 33 are self-isolating at home, one is hospitalized, and there have been two deaths.

Two of the new cases are residents of Council Bluffs and one is a resident of Oakland. These individuals were tested for COVID-19 between April 29 and May 2. One individual is 18-40 years old, and two are 41-60 years old. One of the individuals has pre-existing conditions. Two of the new cases had contact with an existing COVID-19 case, and one is the result of community spread. All of these individuals are self-isolating at home.

Pottawattamie County Public Health continues to conduct contact tracing investigations for each COIVD-19 case. A part of contact tracing is assessing risk to the general public. If there is not a risk to the general public, Public Health will communicate directly with the specific contacts identified in the investigation. If and when a risk to the general public is identified, Public Health will publicly identify the location and communicate any actions the public should take.

Because we have community spread of COVID-19, individuals should be taking precautions to protect themselves. Stay home as much as possible, limit travel and shopping. If you must leave home, practice social distancing, and stay at least six feet away from others. Wash hands and disinfect frequently touched surfaces multiple times per day. If you are sick, self-isolate at home.

Iowans are encouraged to go to www.testIowa.com and complete the assessment. TestIowa is an initiative designed to dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing in Iowa. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or develop symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), contact your healthcare provider before going to the doctor’s office or an emergency room. Testing criteria is based on guidance from the Iowa Hygienic Lab or private lab guidelines. Pottawattamie County Public Health does not have a role in deciding who does and does not get tested.