DES MOINES, Iowa —Iowa’s COVID-19 positivity rate continues to climb, and hospitalizations are on the rise. The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Wednesday) released new virus data showing 97 additional virus deaths, bringing the total to 7,166 deaths since the start of the pandemic. IDPH reports those additional deaths happened between Sept. 15 and Nov. 5.
There were 7,616 positive COVID-19 tests reported in the last seven days, down from 7,912 at the last report on Monday. The state’s 14-day positivity rate increased from 8.7% to 8.9%.

There are currently 525 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, up from 481 on Monday. Of those hospitalized with COVID-19, 71.6% are unvaccinated and 85% of those listed in intensive care with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. The number of long-term care facilities reporting a virus outbreak increased from 28 to 29 since Monday.

There have been 3,882,251 vaccine doses administered in Iowa, with 68.3% of those 18 and older fully vaccinated and 71% of those 12 and older with at least one dose.