Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Public Health today (Wednesday) reported 156 additional COVID-19 deaths. The additional deaths happened between Oct. 20 and Jan. 27. On the bright side, the data show positive virus tests and hospitalizations continue to decline.

The IDPH dashboard indicates there were 19,161 positive tests reported in the last seven days, down from 23,461 at last report on Monday. The state’s 14-day positivity rate fell from 22.9% to 21.5%. The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 also continues to fall. There are currently 794 patients hospitalized with the virus, down from 849 on Monday.

Of those hospitalized with the virus, 54.1% are unvaccinated, while 70.6% of those listed in intensive care with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. State data shows 55% of those hospitalized have a primary COVID-19 diagnosis, while 45% were hospitalized for another reason but tested positive.

The number of Iowa’s long-term care facilities reporting a virus outbreak continues to climb. There are 109 such facilities, up from 107 on Monday.