COVID-19 hits Greene County

Greene County Public Health announced Monday that the first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Greene County: an individual between the ages of 41 and 60 who is self-isolating at home.

“While this is Greene County’s first case, it may not be the last,” Becky Wolf, director of Greene County Public Health, said in a statement. “We encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority.”

Wolf provided the following recommendations:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.

• Stay home when ill.

Approximately 80 percent of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most will not need to go to their health care provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. 

Sick Iowans must also isolate themselves from others in their house.