Keokuk County Public Health update

We have completed Phase 1A which included Health Care Professionals. Phase 1B is to include Persons aged > 75 years, OR the following populations vulnerable to high risk of exposure or severity of illness: 

● Individuals with disabilities living in home settings whom are dependent on attendant care staff, and their attendant care staff, if not otherwise vaccinated under Phase 1A. 

● Correctional facility staff and individuals incarcerated, including state and city or county operated facilities. 

● Staff of, and individuals living in congregate settings, not covered by the first two bullets, including shelters, sober living homes, behavioral health treatment centers, and detention centers. College dormitories shall not be included as part of Phase 1B. 

● Where public health data indicates outbreaks or clusters of disease among food, agriculture, distribution and manufacturing workers whom work in or live in congregate settings that do not allow for social distancing. For example, working in a meatpacking or manufacturing production line or migrant workers whom live in bunkroom style housing. 

● PK-12 school staff, early childhood education, and childcare workers. Sub-prioritization should consider persons who work with younger and at-risk children in care, to better ensure child-wellbeing and mitigate impact to parent workforce. 

● First responders (e.g., firefighters, police officers, and dependent adult abuse and child welfare social workers). 

● Inspectors responsible for health, life and safety, including those in hospital and long-term care settings, child, and food production safety. 

● Government officials, including staff, to ensure continuity of government, engaged in state business at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session. 

Phase 1B is projected to begin after Feb. 1, 2021. We follow guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health and as soon as we receive vaccine, we will begin working down our priority list. If you are 75 or older, please call our office at 641-622-3575 and ask to be on our waitlist. Please remember to social distance, wash your hands frequently, stay home when sick, and wear your mask. 

If you would like to volunteer at our vaccine clinics, please call to ask us how to fill out a volunteer form. Thank you for your patience during this time. 

Total Cases – 850

Recovered – 758

14-day positivity rate – 8%

Deaths – 26