Over 8,000 Iowans have died from COVID-19 complications as of this week, as positive tests have sharply increased statewide and in Washington County.

The state COVID dashboard showed Wednesday that 8,019 deaths have been confirmed, and Washington County confirmed another death for a total of 69. More than 30,000 positive COVID tests have been added across the state this week, as the 14-day average positive test rate increased from 10.9-14.9%, and from 8.3-12% in Washington County. Long Term Care outbreaks in Iowa increased from 22 to 25. Halcyon House, a Wesleylife Community, in Washington stated as of Wednesday they have 11 COVID cases, nine of them team members, and two of them health center residents. Iowa’s hospitalizations have risen again since its gradual decrease from the 2021 peak on December 16th. Statewide there are 792 hospitalized COVID patients with 161 of them in the Intensive Care Unit. The number of patients in the southeast region increased from 150 to 177 this week, while ICU patients decreased from 60 to 51.

The number of fully-vaccinated Iowans slightly increased from 58.9-59.2%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and from 54.5-54.7% in Washington County. Those five years and older can receive a free COVID-19 vaccine at Washington County Public Health’s walk-in COVID and flu vaccine clinics.