The State of Iowa just reached the 1,000 case threshold for positive COVID-19 tests, and the Department of Public Health warns that there’s still a long way to go before the pandemic relents.

Ann Cochran, Health Navigator and Public Information Officer with the Dallas County Health Department, points out that coronavirus is similar to fashion trends: they typically start in the large population centers on either side of the country before coming inland. It’s with that in mind that Cochran warns people to not hold onto false hope that we’re nearly out of the woods. “The virus is very rampant right now on the east and west coasts of the United States, and it’s making its way to Iowa. And so our peak is not here yet. So it’s important for people to realize we need to keep on with the isolation for a good couple more weeks, so that we’re beyond the stage where it’s going to be so prevalent. And we can keep safer if we continue to stay away from others.”

Cochran adds, there’s still no firm timeline for how much longer the pandemic will require social and physical distancing. As such, she emphasizes the importance of continuing to practice good hygiene and to stay at home if you’re feeling sick. To hear more from Cochran about COVID-19, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.