WCPH Reports Increase Of 124 Covid-19 Cases Since Friday

The Webster County Public Health Dept. released their latest Covid-19 update Monday Afternoon. That reports reflects an increase of 124 Covid-19 cases since their last update on Friday, Nov. 20th. The update is below and it includes testing site information.

Webster County Public Health Department reported an increase of 124 COVID-19 positive cases from our last report on Friday to this Monday morning (November 23). These new cases bring the county’s cumulative total to 3,664 cases. 267 cases are currently open, have been contact traced, and individuals placed into isolation.  Due to the sheer volume of current open cases, we are not able to provide an age breakdown at this time.

“We remain at a critical point in our county’s fight against COVID-19,” said Kelli Bloomquist, Webster County Public Health Public Information Officer. “We need every resident to follow public health measures in order to protect your family, your community, and your local health care workers. Community spread of COVID-19 is extraordinary and the risk of contracting the virus is severe.”

Webster County Public Health continues to plead with residents to wear a mask correctly when you leave the house, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, limit gatherings, only leave home when it is necessary, and stay at home when you are sick.

Due to the number of COVID cases and the need for testing, it may take time to get a testing appointment. Testing is available at multiple sites throughout Webster County including the following:

• UnityPoint Health: If you have any questions, concerns or are experiencing COVID symptoms, call your primary care provider and UnityPoint Health staff will direct you to where you need to be in order to be seen.

• Community Health Center: Call ahead for urgent, routine or COVID-19 rapid testing. Call 515-576-6500 to make an appointment.

• Iowa Specialty Clinic: Call ahead for COVID-19 rapid testing. Patient must be symptomatic. Call 515-955-6767

• Webster County Public Health: WCPH is not a testing site. WCPH analyzes and acts on the testing information provided by medical providers and then provides CDC guidance and contact tracing.

If an individual needs testing but does not have health insurance, please let the scheduler know when making your appointment.

It is also strongly recommended that families do not travel for Thanksgiving this year due to increasing COVID-19 cases and community spread. Consider celebrating virtually this year and celebrating only with immediate family or those who live in your home.

Webster County Public Health staff will be working throughout the Thanksgiving holiday providing contact tracing and quarantine and isolation guidance. It is imperative that you answer the phone if called by public health!

Webster County Public Health staff have been working around the clock, including weekends and holidays, since the pandemic began in March. Due to high case loads, many Webster County employees from other county departments have given up their weekends and holiday time in order to help us with data entry and call management.