Data as of October 7th, from the state coronavirus dashboard.

The first COVID-19 death was confirmed in about a month for Washington County this week, as 91 new deaths were confirmed statewide.

The state coronavirus dashboard shows Washington County having 55 deaths, while two of the new deaths confirmed in Iowa occurred between May 21st and July 21st, and the other 89 occurred between August 4th and September 30th. Washington County’s and Iowa’s 14-day average positive test rate continues to sit around 9%. While the last few weeks have been tough with the start of the school year and most not having mask mandates, Washington County Public Health Interim Administrator Chris Estle believes positive tests are seeming to settle down, “We’re seeing a decline in positive cases right now and that trend should continue on. We kind of peaked the last couple weeks, now we’re seeing a decline in cases. However, we’re still seeing an increase in hospitalizations and deaths. In the next 1-3 weeks it should level out a little bit and that’s according to our partners at the state and at the University of Iowa.”

Iowa has reported 6,654 deaths and 31 long term care outbreaks currently. Those not fully vaccinated account for 74.1% of those hospitalized for COVID-19, and 85.8% of those in the ICU. For Iowans 18 and older 66.4% are fully vaccinated, and 68.8% of Iowans 12 and older have at least one dose.