As Coronavirus fear grows throughout the country, area schools, hospitals, and businesses are taking precautions in case the disease reaches Marion County. On Thursday, Superintendents from every school district in Marion County released a joint letter informing residents on the precautions the school districts have taken and will continue to take. In the letter the Superintendents state that the Marion County Health Department has asserted that the risk to students and staff is minimal at this time and they do not believe that the current situation warrants closing. In the event that the Iowa Department of Public Health determines that there is a need for closure, or other action, the Marion County Health Department and school districts will coordinate to respond, and communicate additional information at that time. 

The Knoxville Hospital and Clinics and Pella Regional Health Center are taking precautions like many of the hospitals throughout the country. The hospitals have implemented temporary visitor restrictions to protect patients, families and health care workers during the global outbreak.  At this time, in Knoxville, only two adult primary caregivers are allowed in a patient’s room. Visitors must stop at the department desk to receive a visitor pass before proceeding to the patient’s room. Visitor restrictions are temporary and subject to change as necessary. The hospitals are also advising residents on what to do in case they feel they have been exposed to the disease or are having symptoms associated with the disease. If residents have symptoms that include fever, cough, or difficulty breathing; have traveled from China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea within 14 days; or have been in close contact with a person laboratory confirmed to be infected with COVID-19, They are asked to call the main hospital number  (Knoxville Hospital and Clinics:(641) 842-2151) before coming into the hospital. 

Knoxville Hospital Information:

Primary caregivers must:

o Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand gel upon entering and exiting the patient’s room

o Always remain in patient room, as appropriate

o Limit movement within the facility and avoid common areas

o Be free from illness (fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting or running nose)

 

Pella Hospital Information:

Effective immediately the following temporary visitor restrictions will be implemented.

Only primary caregivers are allowed. Primary caregivers include, but are not limited to:

• • Parents/Stepparents/legal guardians
  • Spouse/Significant other
  • Other defined caregivers
• Primary caregivers:
  • 16 years of age and older (including sibling caregivers)
  • Siblings are not allowed unless 16 years of age and defined caregiver
  • Always remain in patient room as appropriate
  • Limit movement within the facility and avoid common areas
  • Must be free from illness such as (fever, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, vomiting or runny nose)
  • Exceptions may be made in certain situations and can be discussed with patient care teams.

Visitor restrictions are temporary and subject to change as necessary:

All caregivers are required to wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting patient’s room.

We understand these visitor restrictions may be difficult for you. While we are committed to providing a family-centered care environment, right now restricting visitors is in the best interest of our patients and staff.

 

School Letter:

In light of the Iowa Board of Regents announcement that all state universities will move toward online course work following spring break and many other cancellations, the Marion County school districts want to assure our families and communities that normal operations will continue for the foreseeable future. 

While our overarching objective is to keep students and staff members safe, we also acknowledge that we have a social responsibility to ensure the continuity of education for our students. The Marion County Health Department has asserted that the risk to students and staff is minimal at this time and they do not believe that the current situation warrants closing. 

In the event that the Iowa Department of Public Health determines that there is a need for closure, or other action, the Marion County Health Department and school districts will coordinate to respond, and communicate additional information at that time. 

As districts, we are working to be proactive and preventative, while operating in a state of preparedness. We are in constant communication with the Marion County Health Department, as well as the Iowa Department of Public Health. Moving forward, we will continue to partner with and follow the guidance of these agencies. For reference, the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus can be found via the Iowa Department of Public Health Coronavirus and the Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus. 

The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority. We all have procedures in place as part of our district emergency operating plan[s] to handle situations regarding the spread of illness. 

As stated before, to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, the CDC recommends the following actions: 

• Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water. If unavailable, use hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Stay home when you are sick. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. 

Please feel free to communicate with your local school district if you have any specific questions. 

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Cassi Pearson, Knoxville Superintendent Mr. Scott Bridges, Melcher-Dallas Superintendent Mr. Greg Ebeling, Pella Superintendent Mr. David Te Grotenhuis, Pella Christian Grade School Head of School Mr. Dan Van Kooten, Pella Christian High School Principal Mr. Tony Aylsworth, Pleasantville Superintendent Mr. Brian Vander Sluis, Twin Cedars Superintendent