AP/Lang
12/19/21
The number of confirmed cases of the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus has increased to 18 in Iowa, including at least one case in Johnson County.
The Des Moines Register reports that the variant has been detected in residents of Johnson, Linn, Scott, Black Hawk, Jefferson, Polk, and Story counties. Iowa Department of Public Health spokesperson Sarah Ekstrand says residents should expect that community spread of the omicron variant is occurring. She said that 13 of the 18 cases were confirmed Friday. They included infections in people who had not traveled recently.
Covid testing kits are available for free in the front lobby of Iowa City City Hall on East Washington Street. The kits are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-serve basis. Testing kits will be refurbished weekly as supplies allow.