COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to peak this year in Iowa as two new deaths have been confirmed this week in Washington County.

Washington County now has 66 total deaths, while across Iowa 130 new deaths were confirmed in the last week, for a total of 7,680. The state’s hospitalizations increased from 777 last week to 823 as of Thursday, while Intensive Care Unit patients decreased from 185 to 173. For the southeast region, hospitalizations decreased from 197 to 192, with two less patients in the ICU for a current total of 63. Iowans not fully vaccinated account for 77.8% of COVID-19 hospitalized patients, and 82.7% of those in the ICU. Sixteen long term care outbreaks are reported.

The state’s 14-day average positive test rate decreased from 12% last week to 11.3% Thursday, while Washington County has increased from 6.5 to 7.9%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calculates 58.1% of Iowans are fully vaccinated, while Washington County is close behind at 54%. Washington County has one last free walk-in COVID-19 clinic scheduled this month for 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Wednesday, December 22nd on the fifth floor of the Federation Bank building in Washington. Those five years old and up are eligible.