New COVID-19 cases in Iowa, PPE shortage order announced

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced 118 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state, bringing the total number of positive cases up to 1,388.

There were also two more deaths in Linn County, bringing the state total up to 31.

Locally, Washington County identified five new cases, bringing the county total up to 70. Henry County saw two new cases bringing its total up to 17. Jefferson County has seen no new cases, leaving its total at three.

During Friday's news conference, Sarah Reisetter of the Iowa Department of Public Health also announced a PPE shortage order, requiring health care facilities to decrease demand for PPE by 'minimizing patient contact” as much as possible.

The shortage order also directs them to use PPE past its shelf life.

'We understand the issuance of this order may be unsettling,” Reisetter said.

There were also 862 negative cases today, bringing the negative case total to 14,565.