As Greene County Public Health continues to administer COVID-19 vaccines and contact trace those that were exposed or contracted the virus, it’s become a more stressful environment for those workers.

Public Health Director Becky Wolf says when the pandemic began last spring, her employees were able to keep up with contact tracing of those possibly exposed to the virus, but during the busier part of the year, last fall, she points out they relied more on the Iowa Department of Public Health to provide support for additional contact tracing, but they are still involved.

“We will work on the cases that maybe involve school kids, or a group that we’ve been familiar with, for whatever reason. Or if we have time, we’ll go in and work on cases.”

She points out they have seen constant numbers, no dramatic increase or decrease, in the amount of people being tested for COVID-19. According to Wolf, the county’s 14-day positive rate on Thursday was 7.8-percent, which is something she is excited about.

“That is huge. That’s indicative of the things we’ve done to try and stem this pandemic spread. Greene County should be very proud of themselves because it’s amazing.”

Wolf notes there are some Moderna vaccines still available for the Phase 1A group, which is healthcare workers, along with nursing and assisted living home residents. Contact Greene County Public Health at 515-386-0564 to schedule a vaccine appointment.