Positive COVID test rates and hospitalizations have decreased in Iowa this week, while Washington County confirmed another death and Long Term Care outbreaks have increased.

The state coronavirus dashboard shows as of Wednesday that Washington County now has 74 deaths, while statewide 172 deaths were confirmed this week for a total of 8,829. Washington County’s 14-day average positive test rate dropped 7.2 percentage points to 13.3% while the state lost 5.6 percentage points for 15.9%. Iowa’s hospitalizations dropped to 617 this week, the lowest it’s been since November, and southeast Iowa saw a decrease from 177 to 150 patients. However, Intensive Care Unit patients increased both statewide and regionally to 165 and 60, respectively. Those not fully vaccinated account for 55.2% of those hospitalized and 65.6% of those in the ICU. Seven more Long Term Care facilities in Iowa are in outbreak status, for a total of 114.

The percentage of Iowans increased by a couple decimals to 60.6% statewide and 55.8% in Washington County, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are two Wednesday afternoon walk-in COVID and flu vaccine clinics left this February at Washington County Public Health located on the third floor of Federation Bank. COVID vaccines are free and available for those 5 years old and up. For more information on the clinics and other locations to receive a vaccine, visit this story at kciiradio.com.