Winnebago County records first COVID-19 deaths

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported the first two deaths related to COVID-19 in Winnebago County last week, as local cases of the illness continue to climb.

The deaths coincide with an outbreak of COVID-19 at a long-term care facility in Forest City. Good Samaritan Society issued a statement last Wednesday reporting that 17 residents and 17 staff members at the nursing home had tested positive for the illness. As of Sunday, Aug. 23, the IDPH reported the number of cases at Good Samaritan had risen to 40.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Winnebago County was 144 as of Aug. 23, including a jump of 17 new cases on Aug. 18. There are 73 active cases in the county, with 71 recovered.