US: Iowa health officials report 528 new virus cases, 9 deaths

Iowa health officials reported 528 additional coronavirus cases and nine new deaths linked to COVID-19 to give the state 9,169 cases.

The Iowa Department of Public Health said Sunday a total of 184 deaths have been reported in the state. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher, though, because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.

Iowa has begun lifting restrictions on many businesses and churches in 77 counties where few cases of the virus have been reported. More stringent rules remain in 22 counties, which include most of the state’s major cities. Health officials said Sunday that 77 percent of the new cases reported Sunday came from the 22 counties where restrictions remain in place.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The deaths reported Sunday included two people in Black Hawk County, two people in Polk County and two people in Poweshiek County. Bremer, Dallas and Dubuque counties each reported one death.