This week, the vaccination rate amongst students only rose by 2% – the smallest weekly increase so far. Less than 75 students need to get the shot to reach the College’s 80% vaccination goal. 

Campus COVID cases

Two members of the Simpson College community have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week, according to the Simpson College COVID-19 dashboard. 

There are currently two active cases – which include students, faculty and staff. 

The campus positivity rate is identified as 2% – which is 1% higher than last week. Fifteen campus community members have tested positive since Aug. 23. Currently, three students are in quarantine either on or off-campus. 

The COVID-19 dashboard, which was updated daily, is now updated once per week each Thursday. The dashboard is only accessible to members of the Simpson College community through SCconnect. 

Minor Change in vaccination rates 

Indianola Campus

As of Sept. 23, 74% of the on-campus student body and 85% of faculty and staff have been fully vaccinated – a 2% increase among students from last week.

West Des Moines Campus 

48% of students have been fully vaccinated within the West Des Moines campus – a 1% increase from last week. Faculty and staff reached a vaccination rate of 91%. 

Countywide cases continue to rise

Warren county has experienced a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases, with 228 new cases reported in the past week, according to the C.D.C. There are currently 443.01 cases – meaning that it maintains an area with high community spread – sitting at a 14.08% positivity rate, according to the C.D.C. 61.4% of the eligible county population is vaccinated (ages 12 and up), which means that 51.6% of the total population is vaccinated. 

As of Sept. 23, nearby Des Moines I.C.U. beds have almost reached maximum occupancy, with only nine beds available in Des Moines. According to the New York Times, UnityPoint Health is at 94% I.C.U. occupancy, Broadlawns Medical Center is at 83% I.C.U. occupancy and Select Specialty Hospital is at 70% I.C.U. occupancy – these are the nearest hospitals with I.C.U. beds.