(Spirit Lake, IA)-COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise in Dickinson County.
Director of Population and Public Health Katy Burke says self administered tests are available at Lakes Regional Healthcare:
“Similar to what we’re seeing on the National level, increases in cases in Dickinson County. At the coronovirus.iowa.gov, they have the 7 days, and that was posted on the 14th. So, looking at that data, we had a 17 percent positivity rate , and what really is almost easier to focus on is the number of positive cases. In that time frame we saw 55 positive cases. So, we are glad that people are continuing test. The self-administered test is available at the hospital, so you can pick that up at the east and west entrances of the hospital, and we now have a courier service. So, Monday through Friday, you can actually drop off your packaged samples in the ER, and they’re picked up between 10:30 and 11:30 each day. So, that is getting people their results quicker than we had in the past. They are completely free.”
She notes that vaccines are available locally:
“Vaccination continue to be one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and others. Especially during this holiday season, people want to get together and enjoy this time and so, being thoughtful about making sure that you feel well. If you’re feeling sick, try to stay home and protect those that you love, but if you are feeling well and you’ve been vaccinated, then that is a good time to get together. We have vaccines available starting ages 5 and up. So, 5-11 we have Pfizer Pediatric available. 12 and up is Pfizer, and 18 and up is Moderna. Those are available through Dickinson County Public Health as well as local pharmacies like Walmart, Lewis Family Drug and Hy-Vee, and they have the boosters, as well.”
She adds that caution should be used at holiday gatherings, particularly for those with compromised immune systems:
“If you’re in that situation where you’d want that additional protection, especially if you’re around people that are immunocompromised, masking continues to be an additional step that you can take on top of vaccination in making sure that you’re feeling well, and the same things that we’ve been saying through the pandemic, continuing to wash those hands. Hand hygiene is so important. Social distancing, especially around those immunocompromised populations is important, as well. A layered approach is really the best approach.”
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