COVID-19 — Behind the scenes

CRESCO - The Regional Health Services of Howard County COVID-19 (coronavirus) Community Partnership met through a tele-call on Monday, March 30. 

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.

She and Diane Trende updated the group on coronavirus issues. United States projections say the peak will hit in mid-April. Iowa is 1-2 weeks behind that with the state expecting a spoke April 20-25.

•The hospital and clinic are pushing individuals to call in if there is a problem and having them use the telemedicine services available.

The team is planning for a surge in patients. Currently there are no cases in Howard County, but RHS is planning for the event when it happens.

Staff is working on getting test kits than can be processed in-house.

• Brady Norman has information about face shields that will be coming soon.

• Emergency Management Director Darrell Knecht is in the process of making a list of volunteers and what those volunteers can do during the pandemic.

• The nursing homes are continuing with no visitors and screening staff when entering and extiting the building.

• Kessel Kids will stay open as long as possible.

• Howard-Winneshiek Supt. Ted Ihns assumed school will stay closed until at least April 30 (which was verified by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ order on Thursday, April 2). “I heard that West Delaware was using its gym for medical staff. We can put up cots in our gym if needed.”

Schluter said, “Thank you. Having an alternative is beneficial.”

• Notre Dame Catholic School Principal Renée Cuvelier said the Teacher Parade on March 30 was well-attended.

• An extra blood drive is scheduled for June 16 and is being sponsored by Cresco Community Fire Department.

• Supervisor Pat Murray said, “There are some sewers who are wondering if you need gowns.”

Schluter answered, “We are waiting on official word from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) for what type of material is advised.”

• CUSB Bank and Cresco Bank & Trust both acknowledged they have staff working remotely. In addition they ahve reduced staff the week of March 30.

• Riceville Mayor Dennis Leard spoke on behalf of the daycare, saying it was to be open 6 a.m.-3 p.m. at least till the end of the week. He said of the partnership, “I want to give you a thumbs up. You are doing a fine job.”

• Ronda Hughes spoke on behalf of the Howard County COVID-19 Distaster Recovery Fund, asking people to continue donating.

The committee will continue to meet until Howard County has met and gotten over the COVID-19 threat.