The first coronavirus death reported in Iowa is a person from Dubuque County. The Public Health Incident Management Team was notified on Tuesday afternoon that the Dubuque County resident with COVID-19 had died. The Iowa Department of Public Health says the person was an older adult between the ages of 61 and 80 years old. Officials say that no additional information will be provided about the individual.
Patrice Lambert, executive director of the Dubuque County Public Health Department, said “first and foremost, we express our sincere sympathy to this individual’s family. This death is a tragedy and a reminder for all of the seriousness of this virus. However, it is also important that everyone understands that this does not mean Dubuque County is more at risk for COVID-19 spread or deaths than other areas.”
Dubuque County public health officials continue to work with the IDPH and local healthcare providers and other key partners to limit the spread and impact of the virus locally and across the state. COVID-19 is spreading through Iowa communities and everyone should take the virus seriously and work to prevent its spread.
For more information from the Iowa Department of Public Health, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus
