Iowa’s 14-day average for positive COVID-19 cases is 10.9%. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health as of Monday, area counties’ 14-day positivity rates from highest to lowest are Johnson County at 22.7%, Henry County at 13.4%, Keokuk County at 8.3%, Louisa County at 6.3%, Jefferson County at 6%, Iowa County at 3.8%, and Washington County at 3%.

IDPH is still encouraging people to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus and last week Governor Kim Reynolds asked people to wear face coverings when in public places especially where it’s difficult to social distance.

Washington County Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski explains masks help with source control, “You are contagious and shed virus for 48 hours prior to becoming symptomatic. So, the purpose of wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth is to prevent the droplets that carry the virus that you generate when you talk, when you laugh, when you sing, when you breath, from being dispersed to somebody else near you. So, the purpose of wearing that mask is to prevent the spread of illness from the source.” People are also encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, clean frequently touched surfaces, and stay home if you are feeling ill.

As of Monday, Iowa has had 64,713 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 1,112 deaths, and 46,663 people have recovered, for a recovery rate of 72%.