Hospitalizations hit a 2021 record

Des Moines Register
·1 min read

Good afternoon. I hope you're enjoying this sunny and warm (for December) Wednesday.

COVID-19 hospitalizations surge in Iowa

The number of Iowans in hospitals with COVID-19 jumped by nearly 100 patients from last week. There are now 721 Iowans hospitalized, beating the previous peak of 638, set in September.

  • Confirmed cases: 529,383, an increase of 9,489

  • Deaths: 7,445, an increase of 91

  • Statewide 14-day positivity rate: 11.2%

  • Hospitalizations: 721, up from 623 one week ago

What about omicron?

The newest variant of concern hasn't been spotted in Iowa yet, but it's now in the United States. Officials in California said an individual who was recently in South Africa has tested positive for the variant. The Iowa State Hygienic Lab in Coralville tests 300 samples per week to search for variants.

Experts say it could take weeks to better understand omicron. We have an FAQ with what is known about the variant. We also looked at whether travel bans will be effective at reducing the spread of omicron in the United States.

Until next time, stay safe and watch this leopard cub pounce around as she makes her public debut.

— Brian Smith, audience strategist, bsmith@dmreg.com

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Hospitalizations hit a 2021 record