Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed three cases of the COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7. in Iowa. The virus variant is often referred to as the U.K. variant because it was first detected in the United Kingdom. Based on epidemiologic and modeling data, researchers believe that the B.1.1.7 strain can be spread more easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. Current COVID-19 vaccines are considered to be effective against the variant strain.

(Des Moines, IA) The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announces the launch of two new features on the state’s COVID-19 website. A vaccine administration dashboard and vaccine provider locator tool deliver a statewide view of the COVID-19 vaccine effort in Iowa.

State-operated Test Iowa drive-thru sites in Council Bluffs and Des Moines will remain closed today, Tuesday, Jan. 26, due to conditions resulting from heavy snowfall.  Individuals who were scheduled for testing today will be notified of the closures by Test Iowa through email.  

The State of Iowa has announced it will close its five Test Iowa drive-thru sites early today, due to a winter storm warning that is expected to impact the areas where the sites are located. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) spoke with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, January 15, regarding expected increases in vaccine allocation. We continue to be in close communication with our federal partners and we will provide updates as we learn more.