Health officials: 23 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — State health officials have confirmed 23 new cases of COVID-19 in Iowa to bring the state's total Saturday to 68 — up more than 50% from the day before.

Johnson County reported five new cases, Polk County had four, Linn County had three and Allamakee and Black Hawk counties each reported two new cases, the Iowa Department of Public Health said in a news release.

The counties of Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Muscatine, Pottawattamie, Story and Washington each had one new case. Those infected included six who are 61 years or older, nine who are 41 to 60 years old, and eight who are 18 to 40.

For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The new numbers come a day after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a state emergency declaration, which includes the temporary suspension of penalties and interest on late property tax payments, prevents some home evictions and allows bars and restaurants to sell unopened bottles of alcohol for consumption off premises.

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