Dubuque County COVID-19 Roadmap - A look at the Incident Management Team's plan for continued COVID-19 mitigation throughout Dubuque County ...
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Dubuque County
COVID-19 Roadmap
A look at the Incident
Management Team’s plan for
continued COVID-19 mitigation
throughout Dubuque County.
Prepared by Samantha Kloft
Assistant Health Director
Dubuque County Health Department
Last revised: July 29, 2021Table of Contents
Background & IMT Goal ..……………………………………………………………………………………………..………… 1
Contacts & Roles ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
COVID-19 Testing …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 3
COVID-19 Vaccinations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…. 6
Healthcare Provider Capacity, Capability, & Needs ………………………………………………………………… 8
Public Education & Communication ………….…………………………………………………………………………… 10
2022 & Beyond ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….. 11
Background & IMT Goal
The Dubuque County Incident Management Team (IMT) consists of representatives from the
Dubuque County Health Department, City of Dubuque Health Department, Dubuque County
Emergency Management (EMA), and the Dubuque Visiting Nurse Association (VNA). These four
agencies, along with countless other community partners, have worked collectively to ensure
the health and safety of Dubuque County residents since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in
February 2020.
While Dubuque County is only the 7th largest county in the state of Iowa, it is currently ranked
4th in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Approximately 64.5% of Dubuque’s 12+ population has
completed their vaccination series or is currently in the process, and the same goes for 91.5% of
the county’s 65+ population. Although COVID-19 cases in the county remain low, and
vaccination rates continue to increase, mitigation is still needed to prevent future spread. This
plan is the Dubuque County IMT’s roadmap for managing the pandemic throughout the
remainder of 2021, with a focus on four main components:
• COVID-19 testing
• COVID-19 vaccinations
• Healthcare provider capacity, capability, and needs
• Communication to the public
While continuing to prioritize these four elements, the IMT aims to also continue promotion
and access to COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible Dubuque County residents through 2021.
1Contacts & Roles
Dubuque County Incident Management Team (IMT)
Patrice Lambert - IDPH, Board of Health, and Board of Supervisors liaison, as well as grant management.
Executive Director of the Dubuque County Health Department
Patrice.Lambert@dubuquecounty.us
(563) 557-7396
Mary Rose Corrigan - General information and guidance for schools/community programming as it
relates to COVID-19, and liaison to public information services.
City of Dubuque Public Health Specialist
Mcorriga@cityofdubuque.org
(563) 589-4181
Tom Berger - Personal protective equipment for medical providers and community, as well as requests
resources and communicates with Homeland security.
Director of the Dubuque County Emergency Management Agency
Tom.Berger@DBQCOEMA.COM
(563) 589-4170
Stacey Killian - Contact tracing and/or positive COVID-19 case investigation, as well as vaccine provider
contact and coordination with individual needs/assistance.
Director of the Visiting Nurse Association
Stacey.killian@unitypoint.org
(563) 556-6200 Ext. 1901
IMT Support Staff
Samantha Kloft
Assistant Director – Dubuque County Health
(563) 557-7396
Tim Link
Environmental Sanitarian – City of Dubuque Health
(563) 589-4181
Sydney Moquin
Environmental Sanitarian – City of Dubuque Health
(563) 589-4181
Randy Gehl
Public Information Officer – City of Dubuque
(563) 589-4151
2COVID-19 Testing
Who: All Dubuque County residents have access to free COVID-19 testing as well as rapid
testing.
What: COVID-19 testing is provided to residents in a variety of methods including rapid testing,
at-home testing, and standard PCR testing via healthcare providers. Residents have the ability
to choose a testing option that fits their specific needs and current CDC guidance.
When: COVID-19 testing is available 7-days a week.
Where: The following locations will stay as consistent as possible. Detailed information and
availability of services will be modified as needed, based on changing guidance, need, etc.
Dubuque County Health Department
1225 Seippel Road, Dubuque, IA 52003
Free at-home testing kits are available Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm for pick up.
Call (563) 557-7396 for more information or to schedule a pick-up in advance.
Dubuque County Visiting Nurse Association
660 Iowa Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Free at-home testing kits are available Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm for pick up.
Call (563) 556-6200 for more information or to schedule a pick-up in advance.
Crescent Community Health Center
1690 Elm St #300, Dubuque, IA 52001
Free at-home testing kits are available Monday-Thursday, 7am-6pm and Friday 8am-5pm for pick
up. Call (563) 690-2850 for more information or to schedule a pick-up in advance.
ALL Medical Associates Locations, including Dyersville and Cascade
Free at-home testing kits are available at all locations during operating hours.
Grand River Medical Group Multispecialty Clinic
1515 Delhi Street, Suite 100, Dubuque, IA 52001
Free at-home testing kits are available at all locations during operating hours.
Epic Health & Wellness
1075 Cedar Cross Road Suite 1, Dubuque, IA 52003
Free at-home testing kits are available during operating hours.
Rapid testing is available onsite for $75.
Grand River Medical Group Urgent Care
3500 Dodge Street Suite 135, Dubuque, IA 52003
Rapid testing is available onsite for $75.
3All Walgreens Pharmacy Locations
Asbury: Free rapid testing is available.
Dubuque: Free standard PCR COVID-19 testing and free rapid testing is available.
Make an appointment at least 24 hrs. in advance at
https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing?ban=covid_vanity_testing
Hartig Drug Pharmacy
Rapid testing is available at the following locations. $24.99 for two tests.
Free standard PCR COVID-19 testing is available at the following locations:
o Hartig Drug Co 3, 2255 John F Kennedy Rd, Ste. 16, Dubuque
o Hartig Drug Co 4, 2225 Central Ave, Dubuque
o Hartig Drug Co 8, 1600 University Ave, Dubuque
Schedule an appointment online at www.doineedacovid019test.com
Dubuque Hy-Vee Pharmacy
3500 Dodge Street Suite 1A, Dubuque, IA 52003
Free standard PCR COVID-19 testing is available Tues.-Thurs., 8am-9am and Sat. 9-10am. Schedule
an appointment online at https://www.hy-vee.com/my-pharmacy/services/covid-19-testing
Details of the Dubuque County COVID-19 Testing Plan Moving Forward
The Dubuque County IMT partners with many providers to assure COVID-19 testing to all
county residents. As of July 16, 2021, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) ended Test
Iowa operations throughout the state and now provides free, at-home COVID-19 test kits.
These kits are available at a variety of locations throughout the county (see above). While IDPH
has not provided an end date to this new program, the IMT anticipates this will be long-term
operation.
Additionally, select healthcare providers offer standard PCR testing as well as rapid testing (see
above). By offering a variety of testing methods, at accessible locations throughout the county,
residents have the ability to choose one that fits their specific needs whether that be work,
travel, or sickness. Testing options have been added to the County and City of Dubuque
websites, and have also been printed on posters and distrusted throughout the county.
To ensure COVID-19 testing is accessible and equitable to all Dubuque County residents, many
of these testing options remain at no cost. Additionally, homebound individuals have the option
to request a kit be sent to their home, and have UPS pick up their sample by contacting the
State Hygienic Lab at (855) 374-4692.
The Dubuque County IMT will follow IDPH guidelines on contact tracing and case investigation.
As of July 1, 2021, the state shifted investigation focus to outbreaks in vulnerable settings such
as long-term care facilities as well as clusters of positive cases. IDPH also ended routine COVID-
419 case investigation calls for individual positive tests. At the local level, the VNA will make
contact with individual positive cases when necessary.
The IMT will meet and communicate with the COVID-19 testing providers listed above on a
monthly, or as needed, basis. This will allow the IMT to assess the availability of testing supplies
and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as evaluate testing progress and needs
moving forward.
The IMT will also be focused on COVID-19 data provided via IDPH DOMO to assess trends in
positive cases and detect COVID-19 outbreaks early on.
Certain populations are at a high risk for exposure to, and infection with, SARS-CoV-2. Such
populations are especially well-suited for sentinel monitoring efforts to detect the early
introduction and spread of COVID-19, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage or
where layered prevention strategies are not in use. The CDC considers the capacity to monitor
COVID-19 incidence in the following populations particularly useful due to their high risk of
exposure or severe illness:
• Students and staff members of PreK–12 schools
• Higher education institutions
• Health care workers
• Residents and staff members of long-term care facilities
• Incarcerated persons
• Homeless persons
• Workers in high-density work sites
The following metrics, among others, are used as indicators in assessing the impact of COVID-19
in Dubuque County. The IMT will continue to monitor these metrics on a regular basis.
• Community transmission rates • Positivity rate/100,000 population
• 7 and 14-day trend line • Testing rates
• Hospitalization admits in past 24hr. • Case age ranges
• Positivity rate: daily & 14-day • Long-term-care outbreaks/cases
average • COVID-19 deaths
The IMT will continue to assess local metrics and communicate observations to organizations,
schools, etc. working with vulnerable populations and/or doing regular screening and
monitoring of their employees, customers, students, and/or residents to detect an early
increase in COVID-19 cases. In the event of an outbreak, the IMT and testing providers are prepared
to respond accordingly.
Current testing information can be found at www.dubuquecounty.org/sleevesup or by calling
(563) 557-7396.
5COVID-19 Vaccinations
Who: All Dubuque County residents have access to a free COVID-19 vaccine.
What: COVID-19 vaccines are offered to residents in a variety of methods, during regular clinic
hours and at popup community clinics.
When: COVID-19 vaccines are available 7-days a week.
Where: The following locations will stay as consistent as possible. Detailed information and
availability of services will be modified as needed, based on changing guidance, need, etc.
Please note, most locations listed below offer walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dubuque County Visiting Nurse Association
660 Iowa Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Walk-ins are available during operating hours.
Crescent Community Health Center
1690 Elm St #300, Dubuque, IA 52001
Walk-ins are available during operating hours.
ALL Unity Point Health/Finley Primary Care Clinics, including Peosta Pharmacy
Walk-ins are available at all locations during operating hours.
ALL MercyOne Locations, including Dyersville and Cascade Pharmacy
Walk-ins are available at all locations during operating hours.
Grand River Medical Group Acute Clinic & Urgent Care
Acute Care: 2395 NW Arterial, Inside Hy-Vee, Dubuque, IA 52002
Urgent Care: 3500 Dodge Street Suite 135, Dubuque, IA 52003
Walk-ins are available during operating hours.
Medical Associates East & West Campus
East Campus: 100 Langworthy Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
West Campus: 1500 Associates Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002
Walk-ins are available during operating hours.
Epic Health & Wellness
1075 Cedar Cross Road Suite 1, Dubuque, IA 52003
Appointment required for COVID-19 vaccination.
Schedule an appointment online at www.epichealth.net
6INFOCUS Pharmacy
1690 Elm Street Suite 200, Dubuque, IA 52001
Walk-ins are available during operating hours.
CVS Pharmacy (Target)
3500 Dodger Street, Dubuque, IA 52003
Walk-ins are available during operating hours.
Walmart Pharmacy
4200 Dodge Street, Dubuque, IA 52003
Walk-ins are available during operating hours.
ALL Hartig Drug Pharmacy Locations
Walk-ins are available at all locations during operating hours.
ALL Dubuque Hy-Vee Pharmacy Locations
Walk-ins are available at all locations during operating hours.
ALL Walgreens Pharmacy Locations
Walk-ins are available at all locations during operating hours.
Details of the Dubuque County COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Moving Forward
The Dubuque County IMT partners with many providers to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to
county residents. Vaccination options have been added to the County and City of Dubuque
websites, and have also been printed on posters and distrusted throughout the county.
The IMT will meet and communicate with the COVID-19 vaccine providers listed above on a
weekly, or as needed, basis. This will allow the IMT to assess the availability of vaccine supplies
and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as evaluate vaccination progress, barriers,
and needs moving forward.
The IMT will also continue to creatively disseminate COVID-19 vaccine information to the public
and educate on the importance of immunizations (see Page 10).
To ensure the COVID-19 vaccine is accessible and equitable to all, the vaccine remains at no
cost, and most clinics allow walk-in appointments (see above). COVID-19 vaccinations have
shifted slightly from mass vaccination sites, such as the Kennedy Mall, to routine visits with an
individual’s health care provider. However, the IMT continues to plan outreach vaccination
clinics that better reach those who may not have a regular health care provider or health care
home. The IMT uses IDPH DOMO data and collaborates with the Dubuque County Equity
Immersion Committee to assess vulnerable population needs based on the following
demographics:
7• Age
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Zip code
This information influences the location, type, and timing of outreach clinics that aim to meet
residents where they already are. As the IMT and vaccine providers continue to evaluate and
plan future outreach clinics, these will be promoted in advance, using a variety of
communication methods (see Page 10).
Any homebound individuals can contact the Dubuque County Visiting Nurse Association to
assist with coordinating a home visit with a vaccine provider if needed. Additionally, Dubuque
County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides free rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments
for persons of all income levels. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible. To schedule a ride,
individuals must call 24 hours in advance at (563) 588-4592 or 1-800-839-5005 (toll free) or dial
711 for Relay Iowa.
Current vaccine information can be found at www.dubuquecounty.org/sleevesup or by calling
(563) 557-7396.
Healthcare Provider Capacity, Capability & Needs
Healthcare provider needs and abilities are a top priority for the Incident Management Team.
Without the facilities, dedication, and hard work of these many individuals and agencies,
Dubuque County would not have been able to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and excel in
vaccination rates. The IMT values the ability to work closely with these providers and will
continue to sustain these partnerships moving forward.
As previously mentioned, the IMT will continue to meet with both COVID-19 testing providers
and COVID-19 vaccine providers on a regular basis over the next six months to ensure program
stability and evaluate any need for change. More specifically, the IMT will assess needs related
to capacity of health care/hospital staff and supplies in order to continue operations.
Communication will consist of the following topics:
• Updated county statistics related to COVID-19 testing/vaccinations, positive cases and
other COVID-19 epidemiological data
• Capacity and capability check in: Staffing
8• Capacity check in: Supplies (i.e., PPE, testing kits, vaccine)
• New CDC and/or IPDH guidance and changes
• New or upcoming testing/vaccination opportunities in the community (outreach clinics)
• Additional news or needs from providers
The IMT also has representation on the Hospital Infection Control Committee, which monitors
both in-patient and community infectious diseases and conditions. In addition to these
meetings and communications, the IMT will continue to partner with the following community-
based organizations to provide COVID-19 guidance and serve as a connection between
providers and the community:
• Dubuque County PreK-12 schools
• Dubuque County higher education institutions
• Dubuque County Equity Immersion Committee
• Greater Dubuque Development Corp.
• Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
• Dubuque County Board of Health
• Dubuque County Board of Supervisors
• Dubuque City Council
• Long term care facilities
• County mayors and city clerks
• Dubuque Fire Department and other County EMS services
• Additional sectors listed in the Dubuque County Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Plan as needed.
The IMT will continue to use information from providers and the above entities to assess the
need for a future isolation shelter(s) and/or alternative hospital(s). As COVID-19 cases in the
county remain low, and vaccination rates continue to increase, the IMT does not see a present
need for such facilities. However, it is understood that the COVID-19 situation may change in
the future and the IMT is prepared to implement these plans if needed.
In May of 2021 all EMS, long term care facilities, hospitals, and public health agencies were able
to request remaining PPE stock from the State warehouse. Those supplies have since been
received locally and distributed through EMA. Local jails and correctional facilities will also
receive what remains in stock. The state will continue to offer available supplies to additional
prioritized groups while available in inventory, therefore Dubuque County EMA has demobilized
PPE distribution at this time.
Local EMA does retain a 30-day supply of PPE in the event of another COVID-19 surge that will
be available for future needs while it remains within expiration dates. Additionally, EMA will
still be able to submit emergent requests for PPE if local facilities cannot procure their own.
9Public Education & Communication
The IMT will continue to implement the Joint Information Committee (JIC) as needed. Led by
the City of Dubuque Public Information Office (PIO), they will continue to creatively provide
COVID-19 information to the public in a variety of ways to assure accurate information
dissemination. Communication strategies that have been used over the past year include:
• Mass mailing to all county residents
• Billboard posters
• Radio commercials
• Newspaper ads
• Newspaper and radio interviews
• CodeRED messaging
• City council, Board of Health, & Board of Supervisors presentations
• Facebook Live events & updates
• Instagram ads
• Social media posts & monitoring
• Daily/Weekly virtual COVID-19 updates & media releases as needed
• County and City of Dubuque website updates with COVID-19 information
• Poster/Flyer distribution
• COVID-19 general information phone line via the VNA
• SleevesUp vaccination phone line via City of Dubuque staff
Over the next six months, the IMT plans to explore new methods of communication, including
but not limited to:
• Letters and testimonials from the Dubuque County medical community and other
community leaders
• Increased COVID-19/disease prevention education in PreK-12 schools during Fall 2021
• Flyer distribution of current testing and vaccination opportunities with widespread
distribution to bars, restaurants, childcare facilities, community-based organizations,
higher education, PreK-12, etc.
• Educational presentations for social media outlets and City Channel 8
• Focus groups with high risk and vulnerable populations as needed
• QR coding of updated testing and vaccination information/opportunities
• Community calls
Popup and on-going community vaccination clinics organized by the IMT will be promoted via
multimedia avenues such as social media outlets, posters, etc. Additionally, communication will
be made directly through community calls and community leaders to share information with
others in their circle.
102022 & Beyond
This roadmap is the Dubuque County IMT’s plan for the remainder of 2021 with regard to
COVID-19 mitigation and planning efforts. Though it is difficult to predict the status of COVID-19
in Dubuque County six months from now, the IMT will continually make adjustments based on
COVID-19 federal, state, and local data, available resource, new research and findings, as well
as changes in guidance and mitigation strategies.
At the close of 2021, the IMT will assess the state of COVID-19 in Dubuque County and begin
shifting focus to additional responsibilities held prior to the start of the pandemic. As the Iowa
Department of Public Health has already initiated this shift, and IMT members have re-engaged
in other everyday tasks, the start of 2022 will be an appropriate time to evaluate IMT activities
and planning moving forward.
The IMT believes local providers are well-versed in COVID-19 and able to incorporate testing,
vaccinations, and treatment into their regular services. This does not mean the IMT will be
completely removed from the COVID-19 mitigation efforts that will continue into 2022, but
rather begin the natural transition to focus on additional agency tasks and community needs.
Please note that if there are any major changes in the status of COVID-19, this plan will be
adjusted accordingly.
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