There has been a big increase in coronavirus cases in Marion County.  And it could be related to last weekend’s sprint car event at Knoxville Raceway.  The Iowa Department of Public Health reports 22 new COVID-19 cases in Marion County as of Friday (8/21)…on top of 17 new cases reported Thursday (8/20).  A statement on Knoxville Raceway’s website says a staff member of the track has tested positive for coronavirus, while there have been other positive tests from racing teams that raced at Knoxville last weekend.

In all, 878 new coronavirus cases were reported statewide Friday for a pandemic total of 54,709.  Besides the 22 new cases from Marion County, 12 new cases have been reported in Wapello County, five in Monroe County, four in Poweshiek County, and one each in Keokuk and Jasper Counties.

There have also been five additional deaths in the state from COVID-19, bringing the pandemic total to 1017.  None of those deaths are in the No Coast Network listening area.  293 people in Iowa are hospitalized with coronavirus—that’s down seven from Thursday.  While 81 are in intensive care units—down eight from Thursday.