An update on COVID-19 home test kits and other pandemic matters was given during Thursday’s Washington County Board of Health meeting.

Public Health Interim Administrator Chris Estle mentioned that the public health office is only a pick-up location for free saliva test kits through Test Iowa, and as of Monday, September 20th the office welcomes the public to stop by from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick up a kit, no appointment necessary. Estle says the turnaround from the State Hygienic Lab is typically 24-48 hours. As she is the public health director for Jefferson County, Estle said after receiving so many calls last weekend she decided to hand out kits Sunday, and from 4-5 p.m. 102 were given out.

While vaccine third-dose clinics have been held for immunocompromised individuals, Estle is waiting on information about what the third dose will look like for the general population. In regards to school mask mandates, Estle shared that her message to all school districts she works with is that it is a school board decision, and not up to local public health, though she continues to recommend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for everyone two and older to wear a mask in public indoor spaces in areas of high COVID-19 transmission, to which all but one county in Iowa falls under that criteria.

Board Member and County Supervisor Jack Seward Jr. says he has been in favor of the board of health issuing a statement that the decision to get vaccinated should be between you and your doctor, to wear a face mask and social distance if you feel you are at risk, and to stay home when you are sick.