Iowa sees largest single-day jump in positive COVID-19 cases, total to 68

Twenty-three more Iowans have tested positive for COVID-19, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced Saturday, marking the largest single-day jump in positive cases since the virus was first found in Iowa nearly two weeks ago.

There are now 68 cases of the novel coronavirus in 17 counties statewide. Four new counties — Fayette, Henry, Linn and Story — reported their first cases Saturday.

The new announcement is more than double the previous single-day jump of nine new cases, released March 18.

Iowa's first case of the coronavirus was found March 8.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the locations and age ranges of the 23 new cases are:

Allamakee County: one adult 41- to 60-years-old; one adult 61- to 80-years-old

Black Hawk County: one adult 41- to 60-years-old; one elderly over 81-years-old

Dubuque County: one adult 61- to 80-years-old

Fayette County: one adult 18- to 40-years-old

Henry County: one adult 18- to 40-years-old

Johnson County: three adults 18- to 40-years-old ; one adult 41- to 60-years-old; one adult 61- to 80-years-old

Linn County: two adults 18- to 40-years-old; one adult 41- to 60-years-old

Muscatine County: one adult 41- to 60-years-old

Polk County: two adults 41- to 60-years-old; two adults 61- to 80-years-old

Pottawattamie County: one adult 41- to 60-years-old

Story County: 18- to 40-years-old

Washington County: one adult 41- to 60-years-old

There have been 1,049 negative tests conducted at the State Hygienic Lab.

► Coronavirus in Iowa: Get the latest news and updates from the Register

Last week, the Iowa Department of Public Health released new guidelines on who could be tested for the novel coronavirus, including those hospitalized with fever and respiratory failure and who have no other diagnosis; those over 60 with fever and respiratory symptoms and who have underlying chronic medical conditions; those with fever or respiratory illness who live in a "congregate setting" such as long-term care facilities or dormitories; and healthcare providers, first responders, residential facility staff workers or other essential services personnel with fever and respiratory illness.

In a news release, Gov. Kim Reynolds asked any Iowan who has traveled for business or spring break — domestically or internationally — to "strongly consider" self-isolating for 14 days to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

"This will support Iowa's ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and limit the introduction of the virus from other points of travel," she said in the news release.

Reynolds will hold a news conference at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Kim Norvell covers growth and development for the Register. Reach her at knorvell@dmreg.com or 515-284-8259. Follow her on Twitter @KimNorvellDMR.

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