COVID-19 Update Copyrighted
September 21, 2020
City of Dubuque Presentation(s) # 1.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: COVID-19 Update
SUM MARY: Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist for the City of Dubuque,
will provide an update on the COVI D-19 pandemic and response
activities.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
F:\Council\5_Scanned Images\2020_09_21 Agenda\2020.09.21 City Council Update.docx
TO: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist
SUBJECT: COVID-19 update
DATE: September 21, 2020
CURRENT INFORMATION
• The Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management (IMT) team consisting
of City of Dubuque Health Services Department (Mary Rose Corrigan) Dubuque
County Health Department, (Patrice Lambert) VNA (Stacey Killian) and the
Dubuque County Emergency Management Agency (Tom Berger), along with
both hospitals continue in full activation. We are coordinating our response
efforts in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and with
guidance from CDC via weekly webinars and direct contact with our regional
epidemiologist. Randy Gehl serves as the Public Information (PIO) officer for the
IMT.
• As of 3 pm on September 21, 2020, 589 new cases were added to Dubuque
County’s total since I last gave a report to the City Council on Sept 8, 2020. As
of September 21, 2020, Dubuque County has 2814 positive COVID-19 cases. To
date, we have had a total of 41 deaths in Dubuque County. Currently, Dubuque
County has 18 COVID-19 Dubuque County patients who are hospitalized. Over
28,000 people have been tested in Dubuque County. About 10% of the cases
tested since March have been positive. The current average 14-day positivity
rate is approximately 14.5% according to the IDPH. This increased from 9.4% on
September 8, 2020. About 67% of Dubuque County positive cases have
recovered to date.
• The State has 80,733 cases, up 9868 from 70,865 positive cases reported on
Sept 8, 2020. About 10.9% of individuals tested statewide have been positive
overall. The State’s 14-day average positivity rate is 8.8%, decreased from
10.6% on September 8, 2020. A total of 1271 Iowans have died due to COVID-
19 illness. Currently, 271 cases are hospitalized. Over 57,000 or 72% of Iowans
have recovered.
Health Services Department
City Hall Annex
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Office (563) 589-4181
Fax (563) 589-4299
TTY (563) 589-4193
health@cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org
F:\Council\5_Scanned Images\2020_09_21 Agenda\2020.09.21 City Council Update.docx
• Last few weeks, White House Task Force Report dated September 13th moved
Dubuque County and the City of Dubuque back to Red Zone status, with the
state continuing as a Red Zone. Citing Iowa as having the third highest new
cases/100,000 in the country and the 16th highest positivity rate. The designation
is also based on having greater than 100 cases/100,000 population in the
previous 7 days, along with test positivity above 10%. The recent drastic increase
in the number of positive cases reported daily is a result of two main categories.
First, local colleges and universities testing athletes regularly have added to the
numbers, along with pre-K- 12 students throughout the county. Children 0-17
years old now make up 10% of the cases, with more grade school students now
testing positive. In my last report on September 8th, I mentioned the fact that
school openings (including higher education and pre-K through 12) would
continue to affect our local positivity rates. Adding to the increases are
community events, even if they are occurring outdoors, where physical distancing
and mask wearing are not adhered to, along with weddings and social gatherings
According to the Georgia Institute of Technology COVID-19 Event Risk
Assessment Planning Tool, (https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/) the current
risk level is 99% that at least 1 positive COVID-19 person will be present at an
event in Dubuque County with 100 people attending. The risk is 80% if the event
size is 25 people, and so on.
• On September 18, 2020, the CDC released new guidance on how the virus
spreads which states exposure occurs “between people who are in close contact
with one another (within about 6 feet). The virus that causes COVID-19 is
spreading very easily and sustainably between people. Information from the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggests that this virus is spreading more
efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly
contagious” though airborne spread. In general, the more closely a person
interacts with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-
19 spread.” We knew all along the very real possibility of aerosolized-
transmission, along with exposure of being in contact with a positive case meant
within six feet for 15 consecutive minutes, was guidance and not an absolute.
Many factors influence transmissibility, including how symptomatic the positive
case is and how efficiently they spread or emit the virus- which can vary highly
between different people. Other factors include building ventilation, outdoors vs
indoors, proximity and duration. The CDC is currently updating its
recommendations regarding airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, so more
information to come. This is a reminder of how recommendations and guidance
continue to change as more research and data unfolds.
• Community Testing: The TestIowa clinic continues at Epic Health and Wellness
on Cedar Cross Road along with free testing offered at Hartig Drug locations and
Union Family Pharmacy. The test sites are not scheduled at full capacity, which
F:\Council\5_Scanned Images\2020_09_21 Agenda\2020.09.21 City Council Update.docx
allows for timely testing of those who need or want a test. Hartig stores are
offering testing at seven tri-state area locations and report performing over 1500
tests since August 3, 2020. Those wanting testing at these locations must
register on the websiteTestIowa.com or DoINeedACovid19Test.com and receive
a voucher number to be eligible to schedule an appointment for a drive- up test.
The local health care provider clinics report they continue to test symptomatic, at
risk and those patients undergoing procedures, surgeries, or admittance to the
hospital. Hospitals must use rapid test supplies prudently since these are in
higher demand and more difficult to source.
I continue to meet with representatives from major health care providers weekly
to assess their needs and testing capacity. Local testing capacity includes
TestIowa and HHS testing, the physician and health care provider clinics who are
for the most testing according to State Hygienic Lab guidelines and both
hospitals.
The Public Health Incident Management Team is providing additional testing of
individuals identified through contact tracing and referred 191 individuals by the
VNA.
• Contact tracing: The Iowa Department of Public Health is conducting the contact
tracing of positive cases and is still in the process of hiring additional staff. VNA
continues to phone/contact all new positive cases to provide a local connection
and assess isolation and shelter needs along with testing information. VNA is
also assisting with pre-K -12 schools and higher education institutions on contact
tracing.
• Long Term Care facility status: Dubuque County currently has two long-term care
facility outbreaks. Nursing homes are required to test staff and residents on a
frequency based on the previous week’s positivity rate and other CMS directives.
The current positivity rate requires routine testing of staff twice per week. Long
Term Care Facilities are receiving rapid, or point-of -care machines through HHS,
to allow them to perform the testing at their facilities.
• Public information efforts created by Public Information Officer Randy Gehl in
conjunction with the public health incident management team continue with daily
updates featuring a variety of COVID-19 metrics. The updates continue to be
emailed or texted directly with more than 1,200 people including all local and
regional media and are also distributed through all the City's social media
channels.
Schools
• The Public Health Incident Management team continues to provide guidance and
planning assistance with the county colleges and universities and the K-12
districts. The K-12 schools must use the IDPH 14- day positivity rate posted on
the coronavirus.iowa.gov site as one of the indicators that determines
F:\Council\5_Scanned Images\2020_09_21 Agenda\2020.09.21 City Council Update.docx
maintaining in- person school attendance. The IMT meets bi-weekly with preK-12
school. The VNA works closely with the preK-12 schools on notification of
positive cases and starting the contact tracing process as soon as possible ,
conducting 392 contact tracing calls to date, (206 since September 7, 2020.)
School specific COVID dashboards can be found on individual district websites.
Mary Rose Corrigan is the contact for daily, general school related questions.
The Dubuque County higher education institution representatives also meet bi-
weekly with the IMT. VNA provides similar contact tracing and assistance with
the higher education students as they do with preK-12. College COVID
dashboards are also found on their respective websites.
• Dubuque VNA Continues to operate the public call center for Dubuque County 7
days/week. Since September 7, the VNA has fielded 885 calls/contacts from the
community, for a total of 18,426 since March 2020. In addition, they continue to
provide thermometers, (1023 total) food assistance and other human needs
referrals. The VNA also provides guidance to childcare providers. In addition, the
VNA provides daily services for the maintenance of the isolation shelter, such as
cleaning and a check in with residents.
• Isolation facility- As of this weekend, the isolation facility is full.
• Public Health Mitigation measure enforcement in restaurants and bars- The
Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division is now requiring licensees to complete a
COVID-19 Compliance Checklist to assist in the implementation of the
Governor’s proclamation requirements. The purpose of the checklist is for
licensees to certify they have read and understand the terms and conditions of
the proclamation. The answers to the questions will indicate the operational
measures licensees have or will be taking to comply with the requirements as
outlined in the proclamation. Failure by licensees to complete the checklist will
results in a visit to the establishment to verify compliance by an ABD investigator.
The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) and the Alcoholic
Beverages Division (ABD) have an on-line portal for citizens to submit concerns
and complaints on specific establishments. Once a complaint is received, DIA
and/or ABD will follow up with investigation and enforcement. DIA also asks
local contracting health departments to visit the establishment and provide
education. So far, we have done that on one establishment.
• Vaccines The IMT is receiving ongoing information and vaccination planning
tools from the IDPH. We are surveying healthcare providers to assess their
interest in being a vaccination site with preliminary plans due to the IDPH by
October 1, 2020. Although we are expected to start vaccine administration in
November, a specific date for vaccine delivery is yet to be determined. When
the vaccine is first distributed to state and local health departments, it will be
F:\Council\5_Scanned Images\2020_09_21 Agenda\2020.09.21 City Council Update.docx
restricted for priority groups- such as health care workers, first responders, and
long- term care facilities. As the vaccine production increases, it will continue to
delivered and administered based on other priority groups such as those in
specific age categories, those who have underlying health conditions, and critical
or essential workers- then it will be distributed to the general public, as supplies
allow. Also, remember this vaccine will require 2 doses for full protection, either
3 or 4 weeks apart, depending on the manufacturer. So, although distribution is
supposed to begin during November, it will be on a limited basis and will also
depend on successful phase three trials by the manufacturers.
Looking ahead
• Continue to focus on to plan for opening and ongoing operation along with other
organizations with providing guidance for when they have a positive case.
• Conduct food inspections and assist special events with the recommended
COVID-19 public health measurers.
• Preparing for the upcoming Influenza season
• Implementing ever changing guidance from CDC, IDPH and DOE.
What you can do now
• Continue to stay home as much as possible and practice physical and social
distancing.
• Mask up.
• Implement the recommendations from The White House Task Force report, such
as:
a. Continue to promote social distancing and wearing of cloth face masks when
outside the home, especially in indoor environments and in counties with high
(>100cases/100k population) or increasing case rates.
b. Limit social and other gatherings to fewer than 10 people
c. Specific, detailed guidance on community mitigation measures can be found on
the CDC website.
• Assist IDPH contact tracers by “answering the call.”
• Encourage citizens to quarantine for 14 days from an exposure to a confirmed or
suspected COVID-19 case. If you are not sure whether you have been exposed,
start quarantining anyway.
• Isolate for 10 days if you test positive or have COVID-19 symptoms, including
having improved symptoms and no fever for 24 hours without the use of fever
reducing medications.
• Limit trips to grocery stores and for other retail outlets
• Utilize curbside pick-up, carry-out and delivery for food and other purchases
F:\Council\5_Scanned Images\2020_09_21 Agenda\2020.09.21 City Council Update.docx
• Consider your own personal risk factors before venturing to retail stores and
places of business or for personal or recreational services. Risks to consider
include age, underlying and/or chronic health conditions – especially respiratory
and cardiac conditions, diabetes and if you smoke, are obese or live with
• Follow the 3 C’s - (clean, cover, contain) and emphasize handwashing- which is
ideal. When handwashing is not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Encourage citizens to continue to seek and utilize factual information from the
city of Dubuque, IDPH and CDC websites and postings, being mindful that this is
an ever changing and emerging pandemic.
• Do research before traveling- so you are totally prepared for other communities’
risk, and potential illness.
• For community groups, plan ahead for events and cancellations.
Health Services Department
City Council update Sept 21, 2020
Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist
Dubuque County Public Health
Incident Management Team (IMT)
Mary Rose Corrigan Stacey Kilian
City of Dubuque Visiting Nurses Association
Randy Gehl, City of Dubuque
Public Information Officer
Patrice Lambert Tom Berger
Dubuque County Emergency Management
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
1/20 3/10 4/29 6/18 8/7 9/26 11/15CASES
DATE
Dubuque County Epi Curve
18 22
41
30
47
24 23 20
43 45
113
69
85
40
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
14-DAY TRENDLINE OF
NEW COVID-19 CASES IN DUBUQUE COUNTY
7.2%
9.8%
14.9%
0%
5%
10%
15%
DUBUQUE COUNTY PAST 14-DAY AVERAGE COVID-19
TEST POSITIVITY RATE
(IDPH CALCULATION)
exported 21 Sep 2020
Positive Cases -Rolling 7 Day Volume
Mar 1, 2020 -Sep 20, 2020
exported 21 Sep 2020
Positive Cases by Age Group
Mar 16, 2020 -Sep 20, 2020
Iowa
COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool
https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/
589
680
813
2,613
2,002
3,127
1,935
1,105 1,155 1,145 1,162 1,113
967
1,355
1,160
JUNE 1-7 JUNE 8-14 JUNE 15-21 JUNE 22-28 JUNE 29-JULY
5
JULY 6-12 JULY 13-19 JULY 20-26 JULY 27-AUG
2
AUG 3-9 AUG 10-16 AUG 17-23 AUG 24-30 AUG 31 -
SEPT 6
SEPT 7-13
Weekly Totals of Dubuque County Residents Tested:
June 1 -Sept. 13
18 22
41
30
47
24 23 20
43 45
113
69
85
40
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
14-DAY TRENDLINE OF
NEW COVID-19 CASES IN DUBUQUE COUNTY
IMT ongoing
updates and
communications
•Board of Supervisors, Board of Health,
Dubuque City Council, Dubuque County
officials
•Long term care facilities
•preK-12 schools
•Colleges and Universities
•Hospitals
•COVID-19 test providers
•Isolation Facility
•Daily IMT updates-sign up at
https://www.cityofdubuque.org/list.aspx
select: Coronavirus(COVID-19): Dubuque
Countywide Response Updates & Alerts
Questions