Clay County, Iowa — The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Clay County, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
According to the IDPH, the individual is an adult female in the age range of 18 to 40 and is a resident of Clay County. She is recovering at home in isolation.
Spencer Hospital Medical Staff President Dr. Amanda Young is quoted in a posting on the hospital’s website as saying, “With community spread of COVID-19 first confirmed in Iowa mid-March, we anticipated it was a matter of time before one or more cases would be confirmed in northwest Iowa.” Young went on to say, “While this may be Clay County’s first case, it may not be the last. And that’s why it’s critical to make prevention a priority – stay home if you are ill and everyone needs to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of the virus.”
Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house.
