Des Moines, Iowa —The Iowa Department of Public Health released new COVID-19 data Wednesday. The health department reports 117 additional virus deaths, bringing the total to 6,965 since the start of the pandemic. IDPH said the most recent deaths were reported between Sept. 9 and Oct. 20. Health department data show positive tests continue to decline in Iowa. There were 6,340 positive tests in the last seven days, down from 6,542 at the last report on Monday. The state’s 14-day positivity rate remains at 8%.

The number of patients hospitalized in Iowa with COVID-19 ticked up slightly. There are currently 531 patients, up from 521 on Monday. IPDH reports 65.5% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated, while 81.4% of those listed in intensive care with the virus are unvaccinated. There are COVID-19 outbreaks in 30 long-term care facilities, down from 31 on Monday.

The health department reports 3,657,561 vaccine doses have been administered in Iowa, with 67.6% of those 18 and older fully vaccinated and 70% of those 12 and older with at least one dose. IDPH releases new COVID-19 data each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.