LCHD Director issues warning for COVID spread

Increased risk

So I"m just putting a plug out there to be careful and, if you're at high risk situations, consider using those mitigation strategies we've promoted since the beginning of this to protect yourself and others that you may care for.”

Michele Ross, LHCD Administrator

LEE COUNTY - Lee County Health Director Michele Ross encouraged residents again Monday to be vigilant with efforts to inhibit the spread of the coronavirus.

According to the Iowa COVID-19 tracker, the county is once again in "substantial" risk of spread.

Ross said the county had 34 new reported positive cases in the past seven days.

"There has been increased activity across the county with positive cases and self reporting of home tests," Ross said. "So I"m just putting a plug out there to be careful and, if you're at high risk situations, consider using those mitigation strategies we've promoted since the beginning of this to protect yourself and others that you may care for."

The four counties surrounding Lee County, including Jefferson, Van Buren, Henry, and Des Moines are all experiencing "High" risk of spread currently, according to state reporting.

Current death totals for the week of Oct. 1 were 57, which is the third highest total of 2022 since the week of April 1.

Ross said those that are wanting boosters can attend clinics being held this week. They are also offering children vaccinations during the normal regular children vaccination clinics.

LCHD's flu clinics will be held throughout the month of October.

I encourage you to get your flu shots and we are looking for possible activity this year, so it's important to get that preventative dose now," she said.

For the remainder of 2022, Lee County Health Department will be adjusting their COVID-19 vaccine clinic days and times.  The Moderna and Pfizer primary doses and bivalent booster doses will be available on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesdays of the month from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. at LCHD office (#3 John Bennett Drive, Fort Madison), no appointment is necessary.  The LCHD Childhood Immunization Clinics take place on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays of the month, and the Pfizer vaccine for 6 months-old – 11 years-old will be available by appointment.

For those interested in the Moderna and Pfizer Bivalent Booster, the qualifications are: completed primary series (1^st and 2^nd dose of Moderna or Pfizer OR 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson); at least two months since last COVID vaccine (primary or booster dose); must be at least 12 years or older, minors must have a parent/guardian present.

LCHD will no longer have the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine available.

All vaccine consent forms and vaccine information sheets can be found on the LCHD website (www.leecountyhd.org).