COVID-19 cases spike locally, pushing need for tracers

     Jenna Lovaas, Jones County Public Health coordinator, reported on July 21 during the board of supervisor meeting that there was a total accumulation of 99 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jones County since mid-March. (As of July 26, Jones County had 106 cases.)

     Of the 99 Lovaas reported on, 28 were open cases public health was following, and 19 were probable. One person has been hospitalized.

     “This is the worse it’s been,” commented Lovaas of the influx of cases locally. “Things are worse; not better. We’re drowning, quite frankly.”

     In a follow-up with Lovaas, she shared that there was a COVID-19 outbreak at a daycare center in Jones County, surrounding just the staff. There was a separate E. coli outbreak at another daycare in the county, this one impacting the children.

     On top of it all, JCPH is seeing cases reported surrounding other diseases: E. coli, shigella, cyclospora, and TB (tuberculosis).

     “It’s a mess right now,” commented Lovaas to the board of supervisors.

     Due to the increased workload, the Board of Health approved a request for funds to work with two additional contractors to assist with contact tracing for those impacted with COVID-19. Lovaas said the funding would be around $7,300 through the end of the year.

     Lovaas said that Johnson County contracts with 35 tracers due to their current case count.

     So why are local cases on the rise? JCPH offered occasions they’re seeing and hearing about when people report to be positive: “I don’t know for sure, but I would say it probably has something to do with all the socializing people are doing right now,” she said. Examples being patronizing bars and restaurants in-person, group parties, traveling, and summer sports.

     “And, as we know from our phone calls, people ignoring quarantine guidelines,” added Lovaas. She said mass gatherings don’t help to slow the spread of the virus.

     Emergency Management Coordinator Brenda Leonard said people have also shared that they’re annoyed with having to wait in line for testing at Test Iowa sites. Supervisor Wayne Manternach added that some Test Sites are limiting the number of tests offered in one day.

     “We can request a test site here if it gets bad enough,” suggested Leonard.

     Lovaas added it is a possibility if the county feels it’s necessary.

     “This has potential to get worse when school starts,” commented Supervisor Joe Oswald.

     The board approved contracting with two contact tracers to assist public health from here on out.

     In her update to the board, Leonard said she’s still searching for PPE because the state is not supplying it anymore (as of June 30).

     She said that long-term care facilities must generate their own supply of PPE for employees and residents before they can even open again to visitors. However, items such N95 facemasks and surgical masks cost an outrageous amount of money right now.

     “The cost is ridiculous,” commented Leonard. “And N95 masks are hard to find.”

     In addition to her search for PPE, Leonard has also been assisting JCPH with contact tracing.

     “It’s been crazy,” she said.

     With COVID-19 cases on the rise locally and statewide, JCPH shared some insight into the recommended 10 versus 14-day quarantine and isolation periods.

     If you had close contact with someone who tested positive, you’re asked to quarantine for 14 days. Lovaas said this is regardless of whether or not you test negative during those 14 days. Your quarantine starts from your last day of contact with the infected person.

     “This is because the incubation period for the virus is two to 14 days,” she explained.

     If you test positive, you’re asked to self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of COVID symptoms (or the day you test), as well as 24 hours fever-free without medication, and all other symptoms improve.