COVID-19 — Behind the scenes —Part 6 (April 3)

CRESCO - The Regional Health Services of Howard County COVID-19 (coronavirus) Community Partnership met through a tele-call on Friday, April 3.
 This helps keep healthcare workers, community leaders, city officials and others aware of what everyone else is going through. RHSHC CEO Robin Schluter conducted the meeting.
 • Schluter announced one person in Howard County has tested positive for the coronavirus (1 adult, 18-40 years). She stated, “Per IDPH guidance, we will not notify a person’s workplace unless that person works in healthcare.” She later explained those testing positive are monitored will need to be quarantined and therefore need to contact their employer, and IDPH requires them to notify their employer. The Sheriff’s office and Ambulance service will be given the names of those testing positive.
 In addition, the CEO reminded everyone there are no visitors and that includes the emergency room. Minors are allowed one parent. The patient will be evaluated and family will be asked to wait in their vehicle and provide a phone number for communication.
 RHSHC has received a donation of 500 N95 masks.
 • Accura HealthCare advised in addition to other precautions, the facility is now doing respiratory assessments on residents.
 It was noted the facility needs more goggles, which was relayed to Howard County Emergency Management Director Darrell Knecht.
 • Evans Memorial Home and Country Winds Manor have gone to electronic screenings for staff. They wear masks and goggles at all times.
 • Knecht asked healthcare facilities to come up with a list that could be done by volunteers now and in the future.
 Volunteers are encouraged to call Knecht at 563-547-9270  if they want to volunteer.
 • Notre Dame Principal Renée Cuvelier stated schools are now closed until April 30. They have the choice of teaching required or voluntary classes.
 • NICC is now closed to the public through May 15.
 • Howard-Winneshiek School Supt. Ted Ihns reported the school will now only deliver meals once a week, when chidlren will receive a full week’s worth of meals, starting on  Wednesday, April 15. “This is for social distancing.”
 Ihns was reassured that using gloves and masks and practicing social distancing while working with the meals was good enough for following public health rules.
 He added the district will teach the voluntary choice. “We don’t want to stress out families more than they already are.”
 • Cresco Public Works Director Rod Freidhof said departments are doing okay, but council meetings will be held remotely.
 “You can go to the City’s website to see how to connect.”
 • Chuck Reicks of Cresco Community Fire Department said LifeServe blood donations for the April 22 date will be held at the new storage building near the fire station. Another blood drive will be held at the same place on June 16.
 The committee will continue to meet until Howard County has met and gotten over the COVID-19 threat.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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