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Two COVID-19 deaths in Tama Co. were long-term care residents

The Tama County Department of Public Health said Monday both of the county’s two COVID-19 deaths have occurred in long-term care residents. There were 42 confirmed total cases in the county Monday according to the Iowa Dept. of Health.

“We know this is a difficult time for everyone in our county and we are all saddened by the deaths that have occurred,” said Tama County Public Health Director Shannon Zoffka. “Tama County Public Health continues to work closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), long-term care associations and facilities to provide guidance to protect this vulnerable population.”

According to IDPH, more than 10% of all positive COVID-19 cases are occurring among long-term care staff and residents, and more than 40% of all deaths in Iowa are associated with outbreaks at long-term care facilities.

Premier Estates of Toledo was identified during Gov. Kim Reynolds press conference on Tuesday morning as oe of three long-term care facilties in the stare suffering an outbreak of COVID-19.

To help protect the residents of long-term care facilities, Tama County Public Health is working with these facilities to monitor the health of residents and staff throughout the day. Ill staff members are in self-isolation and all residents are in self-isolation. Staff are using personal protective equipment during all patient encounters and these facilities are closed to visitors.

Two COVID-19 deaths in Tama Co. were long-term care residents

The Tama County Department of Public Health said Monday both of the county’s two COVID-19 deaths have occurred in long-term care residents. There were 42 confirmed total cases in the county Tuesday according to the Iowa Dept. of Health.

“We know this is a difficult time for everyone in our county and we are all saddened by the deaths that have occurred,” said Tama County Public Health Director Shannon Zoffka. “Tama County Public Health continues to work closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), long-term care associations and facilities to provide guidance to protect this vulnerable population.”

According to IDPH, more than 10% of all positive COVID-19 cases are occurring among long-term care staff and residents, and more than 40% of all deaths in Iowa are associated with outbreaks at long-term care facilities. This underscores that COVID-19 poses the most risk for older adults above the age of 60 with chronic health conditions.

To help protect the residents of long-term care facilities, Tama County Public Health is working with these facilities to monitor the health of residents and staff throughout the day. Ill staff members are in self-isolation and all residents are in self-isolation. Staff are using personal protective equipment during all patient encounters and these facilities are closed to visitors.