Pella Regional Health Center has implemented several changes as the city and county awaits the arrival of the novel coronavirus.

CEO Bob Kroese says starting last Friday, Pella Regional has been operating a Patient Assessment Center (PAC) that is seeing patients with respiratory or infectious symptoms. The PAC is located off of Jefferson Street to the west of the Orthopaedic Center on Pella Regional’s campus. Patients presenting with cough, upper respiratory symptoms, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sinus or ear infection, and other respiratory or infectious symptoms will be seen at the new PAC instead of the Walk-In Clinic at Pella Medical Clinic.

“To protect our patients, their families, and our staff, we believe the Patient Assessment Center will help provide necessary care during this uncertain time while limiting exposure for staff and other patients who still need medical care in the clinic setting,” said Craig Wittenberg, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Pella Regional.

Before arriving at the PAC, patients will need their insurance card, personal identification card, and cell phone if applicable.

To protect the health of patients, their families, and staff due to the recent cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, Kroese says Pella Regional Health Center and its family of clinics in Pella, Knoxville, Ottumwa, and Prairie City, have now temporarily suspended all non-essential treatments, testing, and appointments. Non-essential care is defined as that which is not time-sensitive for medical reasons.

Visitor screening is now taking place at Pella Regional’s Comfort House before entering the facility. At this time, they recommend children refrain from visiting Comfort House patients. Should a patient family decide to bring children to the Comfort House; they ask they remain in the patient’s room.

Pella Regional is currently monitoring this evolving situation as it unfolds throughout Iowa and the nation.