Guthrie County Health Services Director Jotham Arber gave an update on COVID-19 cases, the Transfer Station, and other matters at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.

Arber said there has been a recent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations both in and outside the county, with four residents currently hospitalized in Des Moines. Arber mentioned that so far the County has conducted 2,200 COVID-19 tests, and they are now offering rapid testing for those who meet State Hygienic Lab requirements. He also mentioned some additional funding the County has received to respond to the pandemic, including $10,000 from the $25 million Governor Kim Reynolds recently allocated to Iowa hospitals and county health departments from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Arber says the County is also applying for $140,000 from the CARES Act, which he says they should expect to receive, as well as a $9,000 grant to cover plexiglass screens the County has purchased, extra cleaning, and some staff compensation.

For the Transfer Station, Arber says he has received a few applicants to replace their retired office employee, which he hopes can handle a variety of duties such as operating equipment. He adds that the Environmental Health Department may soon be offering free radon tests.