Johnson County says virus hasn’t spread since Egypt cruise

Officials in Johnson County said Friday they believe the coronavirus so far has not spread beyond 14 residents who tested positive after a cruise to Egypt.

Johnson County Public Health Director Dave Koch told reporters that he has seen no indication of “community spread” in the Iowa City area.

He acknowledged that not all of those on the cruise or a second to Egypt that was cut short have been tested or have results yet. Both cruises were sponsored by a local bank’s rewards club for members age 50 and older.

The Iowa Department of Public Health said those on the cruise make up most of the 16 residents who have tested positive for the virus statewide. Agency statistics show, however, that the results of only 99 tests were known Thursday.

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics officials said Friday that they still have only one coronavirus patient, who was admitted in critical condition earlier this week.

Chief medical officer Theresa Brennan said UIHC is working to develop an in-house test for coronavirus but that will take time.

The hospital said that it is limiting the number of visitors for patients and would not allow any that show signs of sickness.