The Pottawattamie County Public Health Department, Saturday night, put out a statement related intended to address rumors related to COVID-19 testing criteria. Officials said “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.”

Iowans are encouraged to go to www.testIowa.com and complete the assessment. TestIowa is a new initiative designed to dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing so Iowans can have better access to testing and help stem the spread of COVID-19 to get us back to normal as quickly as possible.

On May 2nd, Pottawattamie County remained at a total of 45 COVID-19 cases. Twenty-three individuals have recovered, 19 are self-isolating at home, one is hospitalized, and there have been two deaths. As a reminder, health officials said “We have community spread of COVID-19 in Pottawattamie County. 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. Implement excellent hygiene and disinfectant practices. Wash hands and disinfect frequently touched surfaces multiple times per day. And if you are sick, self-isolate at home.”

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.