Today’s NewsStand

Today’s NewsStand

By Iowa Hospital Association|
|June 3, 2021

Iowa news

New reported COVID cases dip below 100 per day in Iowa for first time in more than a year

For the first time since April 2020, Iowa is averaging fewer than 100 new reported coronavirus infections per day, and there are fewer than 100 Iowans hospitalized with COVID-19. The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 371,617 cases in Iowa since the start of the pandemic, an increase of 616 over the previous week. In the past seven days, Iowa has reported an average of 88 new cases each day. The rate of new infections has dropped drastically since mid-November 2020, when Iowa was reporting more than 4,500 new cases per day. In the past week, the state reported 18 additional deaths from COVID-19. There have now been 6,057 COVID-19 deaths in Iowa. (Des Moines Register)

Iowa nonprofit creates worldwide support network for women veterans to process experiences, mental health

Bombshell Patriots began as a members-only, private Facebook community where women veterans could be open about their unique, shared experiences. In June of 2020, it was established as a nonprofit, which now has a public Facebook page and a website. The private group still exists as a support network. In September, they’re hosting a conference to provide an opportunity for women veterans and their spouses to meet in person and learn about important veteran resources. Attendees will learn how to file for service-connected disabilities. (WeAreIowa.com)

As vaccine demand stalls, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says she won’t create a lottery to boost rates

As other states create lottery systems to encourage residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she’s pleased with Iowa’s rates of vaccination and won’t move to enact similar incentives. Reynolds said in April her goal was to have at least 65% of Iowa adults vaccinated by the end of May and 75% vaccinated by the end of June. As of Wednesday, 63% of Iowa adults had received at least one shot of the vaccine, and 86% of those 65 or older had received at least one shot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. (Des Moines Register)

National news

The CDC’s move to limit investigations into COVID-19 breakthrough infections sparks concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped tracking every case that occurs when a COVID-19 vaccine fails to protect someone. Instead, the agency is focusing on people who get very sick or die. The decision is controversial. Critics argue the strategy could miss important information that could leave the US vulnerable, including early signs of new variants that are better at outsmarting the vaccines. But the CDC and outside infectious disease experts say it makes sense to prioritize efforts on those who get hospitalized or die. (Iowa Public Radio)

Joe Biden pushes ‘Shots at the Shop’ vaccination initiative

President Joe Biden emphasized freedom as he launched a major push toward his goal of having 70% of American adults at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19 by July 4. Biden announced a multipronged effort aimed at reaching that marker, including plans to recruit 1,000 Black-owned barbershops and salons to provide “Shots at the Shop” and promote vaccinations nationwide. Other elements of the campaign include free childcare for parents who want to get vaccinated, keeping pharmacies open for 24 hours on Fridays and partnering with mayors to see which city can grow its vaccination rate the fastest. The NBA, NHL, MLB and NASCAR also plan to offer free vaccines at their competitions, while Anheuser-Busch announced free beer for vaccinated adults aged 21 years and older on July 4. (USA Today)

A guide to gender identity terms

Issues of equality and acceptance of transgender and nonbinary people — along with challenges to their rights — have become a major topic in the headlines. These issues can involve words and ideas and identities that are new to some. That’s why we’ve put together a glossary of terms relating to gender identity. Our goal is to help people communicate accurately and respectfully with one another. (Iowa Public Radio)

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