Washington County now has 70 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, as Iowa continues to confirm over 100 deaths weekly in the last month.

The state coronavirus dashboard showed Wednesday a total of 8,317 COVID-related deaths, as the 14-day average positive test rate continues to climb with the state at 24.8% and Washington County at 18.9%. Statewide, hospitalizations continue rising after a dip on December 29th, with 991 patients and 182 in the Intensive Care Unit. The southeast region shows hospitalizations decreased from 229 last week to 218 currently, while ICU patients steadied at 54. Fifteen additional long term care outbreaks have also been reported for a current total of 56. Those not fully vaccinated account for 64% of Iowa’s COVID hospitalized patients, and 72% of those in the ICU.

Vaccinations have gradually increased, as Washington County and the state both moved by two-tenths of a percentage point to 55.1% and 59.7%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those five years and older can get a free COVID-19 vaccine from their local pharmacy or physician, and Washington County Public Health continues to host walk-in clinics for COVID-19 and flu shots Wednesdays at their office located above Federation Bank in Washington.