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COVID-19

Webster County COVID-19 numbers increase by 124 over weekend

The number of COVID-19 positive cases in Webster County has increased by 124 between Friday morning and Monday morning, according to Webster County Public Health. The county now has 3,664 cumulative COVID-19 cases, with 267 still open and in isolation. “We remain at a critical point in our county’s fight against COVID-19,” said Kelli Bloomquist, WCPH public information officer. “We need every resident to follow public health measures in order to protect your family, your community and your local health care workers. Community spread of COVID-19 is extraordinary and the risk of ...

FD City Council says mask up

Face masks that are already a common sight throughout Fort Dodge are now required in most public spaces thanks to a mandate approved Monday by the City Council. The council voted 5-2 to pass the mandate, even though City Attorney Mark Crimmins told the elected officials that it cannot be enforced. Councilman Neven Conrad, who wrote the resolution, described it as “unfortunately, a necessity in my view.” He said he hoped that some higher level of government would enact such a mandate so that the City Council would not have to do so. But the state and county governments have not ...

FD schools to continue hybrid learning

The Fort Dodge Community School District will continue using its hybrid model of instruction for the rest of November and December. Earlier this month, the school district had moved to the hybrid model because of the rising number of cases of COVID-19 in the community. This model included half of students going to school in person two days a week, with the other half doing virtual distance learning those days, and then the groups switching for two days. The model also included a day each week for students who need extra help to come in and meet with their teachers. Students were ...

Public Health will be contact tracing during holiday

Webster County Public Health staff will be working through the Thanksgiving holiday in order to continue contact tracing and providing quarantine and isolation guidance. It is imperative that residents answer their telephone if public health calls.

FD City Council passes mask mandate

The Fort Dodge City Council has passed a resolution mandating the use of masks or face coverings in public indoor spaces. Locations include, but are not limited to, grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores, businesses and city buildings. The mask mandate will remain in place until 11:59 ...

UnityPoint Health to offer new treatment for COVID-19

A new type of medicine designed to prevent high-risk patients with COVID-19 from developing a severe disease is now being administered at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center. The Fort Dodge hospital announced on Friday that it has opened an infusion area to provide the ...