October 14, 2021
Black Hawk County Public Health is partnering with Iowa Department of Public Health, the State Hygienic Lab, and community partners to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing options in Black Hawk County. Test Iowa home test kits are available at no cost, on a walk-in basis at several locations in Black Hawk County.
LOCATIONS FOR PICK-UP
Pinecrest Building Lobby, 1407 Independence Avenue, Waterloo
ACE-SAP Free Clinic, 207 Logan Avenue, Waterloo
Peoples Community Health Clinic, 905 Franklin Street, Waterloo
Select MercyOne & UnityPoint Health locations in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Evansdale, La Porte City, and Hudson
Visit https://www.testiowa.com/en#find-a-pick-up-site to find the location closest to you.
INSTRUCTIONS
For a video demonstrating how to complete the test kit, go to: https://www.bhcpublichealth.org/video-categories/covid-19
DROP OFF OPTIONS
Activated and completed test kits can be dropped off at: Peoples Community Health Clinic, 905 Franklin Street, Waterloo.
Tests received by 1 pm, Monday-Friday, will be transported the same day to the State Hygienic Lab, with results expected within 24 hours.
Tests dropped off after 1 pm on Friday, will be transported the following Monday.
Tests can also be dropped off at any UPS location. Find a UPS location here: https://locations.ups.com/ia/
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to remain at home, separated from other members of their household while they await test results. Please contact your health care provider with questions on how to manage symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s advisory committee (FDA) is meeting today and tomorrow to discuss the use of booster doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. The committee will also discuss the use of a booster of a different approved vaccine than the one used for the primary series.
The FDA advisory committee is also scheduled to meet on October 26 to consider the request from Pfizer to allow the use of its vaccine in children 5-11 years of age.
Booster doses are now available and recommended by the CDC for those aged 65 and older, residents of long-term care settings and people aged 50-64 with underlying medical conditions receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6months after completing their Pfizer primary series. Other groups, including those who work or live in high-risk settings and those aged 18-64 with underlying medical conditions are also eligible for a booster at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer primary series. Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
11.2% = 14-DayAverage Percent Positive in Black Hawk County
35 = New Positive Cases for 10/14/21
66.6% of Black Hawk County residents (12+) have received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine as of 10/10/21
Black Hawk County remains at High COVID-19 transmission risk level. Along with testing, getting vaccinated and wearing masks in indoor settings is also recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19.