Photo from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) was first linked to an outbreak in Wuhan, China, but cases have subsequently been identified in several countries, including the U.S. Testing at Iowa’s State Hygienic Laboratory has indicated 14 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Iowa residents, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Infection Preventionist at Pella Regional Jen Weidenaar says Pella Regional is screening patients for cough, shortness of breath, fever, and recent travel history to affected areas. Isolation, masking, and testing will occur as appropriate.
“If you are experiencing cough, shortness of breath and fever (100.4 F), and have traveled to an affected area in the past 14 days, please call 641-621-2200 for further screening and direction. For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the IDPH hotline at 2-1-1, available 24/7,” she says.
Pella Regional continues to encourage the public to follow prevention measures that are the same for other respiratory illnesses:
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm/elbow
Clean your hands frequently with soap and water
Contain germs by staying home when ill
The CDC does not recommend face masks for the general public
The hospital convened a task force on February 14 that meets weekly, at a minimum and ad hoc as required, to stay up-to-date on emerging information to best serve patients and the public. She says Pella Regional is monitoring COVID-19 information and recommendations from Marion County Public Health, Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Pella Regional is in communication with IDPH to identify resources available to hospitals and public and private sectors. Pella Regional is encouraging the public to visit the IDPH COVID-19 webpage that provides up-to-date information and resources in one location: