DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Public Health released new COVID-19 data today (Friday), that shows a decline in positive tests and hospitalizations. The health department reported 8,966 new positive tests over the last seven days, down from 9,198 from the last report on Wednesday. The statewide positivity rate remains at 9.5%. Those under 18 make up the majority of positive tests, at 23%. However, that age group represents only 3% of those hospitalized with COVID-19.

IDPH reports virus hospitalizations are also in decline. There are 573 hospitalized with COVID-19 in Iowa, down from 626 from the last report on Wednesday. Of those hospitalized with the virus, 76.5% are not vaccinated, while 84.1% of those listed in intensive care with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. There have been 3,514,279 vaccine doses administered in Iowa, with 66.5% of those 18 and older fully vaccinated, and 68.9% of those 12 and older with at least one dose.

The number of Iowa long-term care facilities reporting outbreaks remains at 31. The Iowa Department of Public Health reports new COVID-19 data each Monday, Wednesday and Friday