Healthcare Workers Account for Over 20% of Iowa’s Coronavirus Cases

Healthcare workers are hard at work on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, putting themselves at risk in order to help others. That fact became even more real yesterday when the Iowa Department of Public Health revealed that health care workers account for 22 to 23 percent of all the positive coronavirus test results in the state.

The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa is one of the states experiencing a shortage of personal protective gear, like masks, for healthcare workers. The article states that "the Iowa National Guard has since been deployed to transport shipments of personal protective equipment throughout the state." The shortage of equipment is just another reason that Iowans are being encouraged to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Keeping healthcare workers healthy is a top priority.

Health officials across the country say that this week could be one of the worst for new cases and deaths in the coronavirus pandemic. The article also says, "medical professionals warn that the infection rate is likely much higher than the positive diagnoses because of limited testing."

We salute all of the amazing men and women in the healthcare field across the world, but especially here in Eastern Iowa. If you know of a wonderful healthcare worker, be sure to nominate them for our 'Healthcare Hero of the Day!' We announce a new winner on the air every morning at 6:45 and we post the entry on the 98.1 KHAK Facebook page. You can check out last week's winners and nominate a deserving Iowan HERE.