BREAKING NEWS: Care Centers institute 'no visitors' policy
Lisa Minor (left) and Leslie Smith (right) with the North and South Care Centers in Humboldt announced that beginning Friday, March 13 until further notice, there will be a 'no visitors' policy at the Care Centers. Exceptions will be essential staff and approved vendors. There will be a screening protocol for all who enter the Centers. The policy is being enacted as a precautionary measure to protect the residents. Humboldt Independent photo.
By KENT THOMPSON
Local government, businesses, schools and churches are taking precautions regarding the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19.
Beginning today (Friday, March 13) at 6 a.m., the Humboldt North and South Care Centers are instituting a “no visitors” policy until further notice.
“We have a no coronavirus or signs of the illness in our facility. We are doing this strictly as a precautionary measure to be proactive because the elderly are susceptible,” said Lisa Minor, Infection Preventative and registered nurse with North Care Center.
“We are following the guidelines of the Iowa and Department of Public Health and our local health officials,” Care Center Administrator Leslie Smith said.
Access to both the North and South Care Centers will be limited to essential staff and necessary vendors. They will have to go through a screening process to make sure they are free from upper respiratory congestion, fever, cough or sore throat. They will also be asked if they have been out of the country in the past 14 days or if they have been knowingly exposed to the Coronavirus. People who fail the screening process will be asked to contact their health provider.
“We have contacted all family members of our residents and we want to thank them for their patience and understanding during this time, knowing that our goal is always to keep our residents safe,” Smith said. She said the Care Centers are encouraging friends and family members to Call, Skype or FaceTime their loved ones.
In a press release on Thursday, the Humboldt Community School district wants to assure families and communities that classes and events will continue as normal for the foreseeable future.
Humboldt County Public Health has determined that the risk to students and staff at the current time is minimal and does not warrant closing the school or cancelling any events.
It was announced Thursday that the Iowa State High School Speech Contests planned for Saturday, March 14 at Carroll Kuemper, Starmont, Grinnell and Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln have been cancelled. The All-State Speech Festival planned for Monday, March 30 at UNI has also been cancelled. Any student who is selected an All-State speaker will receive a medal and recognition. The State Speech Association encourages local schools to hire judges to review and rate student performances.
For more information about the Coronavirus impact locally, read the March 19 issue of the Humboldt Independent.
