The number of new positive COVID cases took a noticeable jump for several north Iowa counties last week.
Floyd County Public Health Administrator Gail Arjes says health officials were bracing for the increase.
Arjes says the post-holiday jump can also be attributed to the new Omicron variant of COVID.
Arjes adds that the risk of hospitalization due to the Omicron variant is higher for those who are unvaccinated.
Arjes says the public health office in Charles City will continue to offer walk-in COVID clinics from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday in January. Initial, second and booster shots are all available.
