The Iowa Department of Public Health reports as of mid-day today (Wednesday), the number of Iowans who have tested positive for COVID-19 is up 259 from Tuesday, to 26,601. Of that total, 6,803 patients have a pre-existing condition. Authorities said also, two more people died from the virus since Tuesday, for a total of 690. Officials say 486 of the persons who have died also had a pre-existing medical condition.

The number of Iowans who have tested negative is 241,463. Of those who had the virus, 16,727 have recovered. A total of 268,435 tests have been completed, while completed assessments number 775,933.

COVID-19 outbreaks at Long-Term Care facilities (LTC’s) is down to 30. Health officials say 895 staff/residents of those facilities have tested positive for the virus, 558 have recovered and 356 have died.

In southwest/western Iowa RMCC Region 4, seven patients are hospitalized (1 more than Tues), two are in an ICU, there were two new admissions, and one person remains on a ventilator. Statewide the numbers continue to decline, with 140 hospitalized, 43 in an ICU, and 25 on ventilators. Seven people were admitted to a hospital over the past 24-hours, for a total at 21 new admissions.

In the immediate KJAN listening area, the only changes in positive COVID-19 cases and the number of persons who have recovered since Tuesday, are as follows:

• Shelby County: 85 cases (an increase of 2 positive cases from Tuesday) 49 recovered (3 more than yesterday)
• Pottawattamie County: 626 cases w/427 recovered.