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Statistical Insights

COVID-19 In Iowa

--- Updated on April 18, 2021

As of April 17 2021, the number of positive cases in Iowa is 359,765. If the trend continues the way it is going, our model predicts the infected counts will be around 363,702 a week from now.


As of March 15th, 2021, the top 16 counties in infected counts are shown in the above figure. The red portion indicates the active cases, i.e., confirmed and under treatment, while the gray portion indicates the death cases. Polk is the county with the highest infected counts, followed by Linn, Scott, and Black Hawk. We can also see a wide range of fatality percentages across these 16 counties, from 0.46% (Story) to 1.97% (Black Hawk).

COVID-19 weekly snapshot

  • In the Week of April 12 – 18, Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 43. The weekly positivity rate is 4.93%.
  • In the Week of Feb. 1 – 7, Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 39. The weekly positivity rate is 3.13%. Iowa State tested a random sample of students living in the residence halls and sororities and fraternities at the start of the spring semester (Jan. 14 - Feb.6). Of the 3,363 students tested on campus, 1.5% tested positive. Of the total 3689 test conducted both on campus and off campus, 208 (5.6%) students were tested positive.
  • In the Week of Jan. 25 - 31, Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 42. The weekly positivity rate is 3.96%.
  • Week of Jan. 18 - 24, Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 31. The weekly positivity rate is 3.85%.
  • In the Week of Jan. 11 – 17, Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 22. The weekly positivity rate is 2.64%.
  • In the Week of Jan. 4 – 10, Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 39. The weekly positivity rate is 5.2%, more than doubling the positivity rate of last week. More than 900 people participated in the Corteva asymptomatic testing on Friday, Jan. 8.
    • Read more details.

    All students and employees can now schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.

    Appointments are available April 21-22 (second doses on May 12-13) and April 27-29 (second doses on May 18-20). Reed more details.

    Iowa expected to begin vaccinations as early as Dec. 28 Iowa is expected to begin vaccinations in long-term care facilities as early as Dec. 28, Gov Kim Reynolds said during her weekly press conference Wednesday. Read more details.

    Mask mandates, restrictions on social gatherings are in effects On Nov 16, new coronavirus mitigation restrictions go into effect at midnight Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced in a rare prime-time televised address. The restrictions include prohibitions of indoor gatherings of more than 15 people, outdoor gatherings of more than 30 people, as well as a mask mandate whenever an individual is inside a facility open to the public when unable to maintain social distancing for more than 15 minutes. The ban includes weddings, funerals and other family and social gatherings. Read more details.

    President encourages student to get tested prior to leaving for winter break On Nov 5, in response to increasing positive cases on campus, president Wendy Wintersteen encourages students to test for COVID-19 before leaving campus for winter break, even if students don't feel sick. If test positive, students may need to complete their isolation period in Ames before returning home. Read more details.

    Iowa State will begin random student testing on Oct 12 Iowa State will notify students selected for random testing starting on Oct 12. Those that will receive notification have already been selected. Read more details.

    University Changes Decision On Football On September 1, Iowa State University decided to change its decision regarding fans at the Sept. 12 home football game. The season opener game will be played without fans. Read more details.

    Ames City Council moves to approve face covering ordinance with no penalization On August 25, "the Ames City Council voted to approve an ordinance that would mandate face coverings in the city of Ames but will have no penalty enforcing the mandate during the City Council meeting Tuesday night." Read more details.

    Ames City Council moves to approve face covering ordinance with no penalization On August 25, "the Ames City Council voted to approve an ordinance that would mandate face coverings in the city of Ames but will have no penalty enforcing the mandate during the City Council meeting Tuesday night." Read more details.

    COVID-19 safety policy for student social gatherings. On August 21, ISU enacted a COVID-19 safety policy for student social gatherings. "Effective immediately, students attending on- or off-campus social gatherings must wear appropriate face coverings, as outlined in the University Policy on Face Coverings, and comply with physical distancing guidelines of the CDC. Students found in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct." Read more details.

    ISU reports move-in COVID-19 testing numbers. Over the last two weeks, 6,509 students moved into the residence halls. Of those students, 141 tested positive for COVID-19 for a total positivity rate of 2.2%. Read more details.

    President Wintersteen introduces Cyclones Care initiative. Please take 5 minutes to watch the video message from President Wintersteen highlighting the four behaviors that we all must practice to support the health and well-being of our campus and community.

    Want to discover the latest resources, maps, and information about the coronavirus outbreak in your community? Visit coronavirus.iowa.gov to obtain the latest Iowa COVID-19 official information.

    Want to discover the latest resources and updates about Iowa State University? Visit ISU COVID-19 Response to obtain the latest COVID-19 official information.