March 21, 2020

PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate Release

RE: First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Scott County Resident

A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in a Scott County resident who is a middle aged adult (41-60 years of age). The individual was seen in a Scott County medical clinic earlier this week and is self-isolating at home.

“While this is Scott County’s first case in a resident, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Scott County Health Department Director Edward Rivers.

These actions include:

• Social distancing by staying at home as much as possible.
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Staying home when ill.

Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house.

Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider from home using technology.