Iowans take advantage of testing expansions

Since the move to expand TestIowa's testing requirements last Thursday, Iowa saw its largest number of tests done in a single day over the Memorial Day Weekend.

4,907 individuals were tested on Sunday, according to data from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). A total of 133,018 individuals have been tested in total as of Monday afternoon.

At her Friday news conference, Gov. Kim Reynolds said the expanded testing is a resource available to all Iowans, especially those who will be returning to work as businesses begin to reopen following loosened restrictions.

'For Iowans returning to work in restaurants and retail stores or other establishments that serve the public, this is a resource you can use at any time to ensure your health and well-being,” she said.

Reynolds also noted new test sites will be opening in Burlington, Council Bluffs, Martial Town and Sioux Center following the three-day weekend while the site at Sioux City would close Friday evening.

Reynolds explained the TestIowa's mobile testing model allows the state to see where a test site is needed due to increased virus activity or limited access to testing. It also allows the state to reallocate mobile testing sites where test volume has decreased 'to other communities where we see there is a need.”

Iowa currently reports 17,577 positive COVID-19 cases, according to data from IDPH. The state also reported an additional 40 deaths across the weekend with 459 in total as of Monday afternoon.

Locally, the Tri-County area also saw increases in cases over the weekend with Washington County at 183 cases, Henry County at 63 cases and Jefferson County at 18 cases.