In Hamilton County, there have been no positive tests, according to Shelby Kroona, Hamilton County Public Health administrator.

“Right now, we’re still talking social isolation and social distancing,” she said, and added area residents should also continue frequent handwashing and to stay home if they are ill.

According to Kroona, so far, no one in Hamilton County has met the criteria for testing. She encouraged those with fevers of higher than 100.4, chest pains, body aches or severe coughs to contact their health care provider.

“Call them first,” she said. “Some providers may ask the patient to come in, others may tell them to stay at home and care for their symptoms.”

Kroona said if the patient had a rapid onset of shortness of breath or chest pains, to call the emergency department at the hospital.

“We certainly don’t want patients who experiencing a cardiac event to go unseen,” she said. “But call ahead to the ER to be sure the appropriate personal protective equipment is available when they arrive.”

On Sunday, Gov. Kim Reynolds in a press conference, announced that COVID-19 cases in Iowa are sprinkled across 24 different counties. Johnson County reported five new cases. Cerro Gordo, Dubuque and Harrison counties each reported two new cases.

Dallas, Kossuth, Linn, Poweshiek, Scott, Sioux, Washington and Woodbury counties reported one new coronavirus case each.

According to Iowa Department of Public Health officials, one of the new cases is 81 years or older, six are 61 to 80 years old, eight are 41 to 60 years old and seven are 18 to 40.

More closures

Reynolds also issued a proclamation continuing the disaster declaration for the state. She ordered all of the state’s hair salons, barbershops, medical spas, massage therapists, tattoo shops and swimming pools to close until March 31.

The governor also suspended foreclosures on residential, commercial and agriculture properties.

For more information on the COVID-19 virus, Hamilton County residents can call 211 for basic information or visit www.cdc.gov or www.idph.iowa.gov.