HCMH update on COVID-19

From Michelle Sleiter,
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital CEO
As of April 23, Humboldt County has 4 known positive COVID-19 cases. Given the global pandemic and potential spread of this virus, it is not a surprise to have positive cases in our county and we have been preparing for this over the last month. We are also continuously monitoring and implementing the latest guidance provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC.
We have been operating our incident command center and feel confident in our approach. We are also grateful for the recent release of restrictions by the federal government which will help us in testing and to provide care. We have testing supplies and will follow the guidance of the health departments to determine if testing is recommended.
With that said, it’s imperative that we all work together and support each other to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the future. For anyone in the community who is ill or needs to seek medical care, we ask that you please call ahead to your primary care provider or other point of care to let them know you have signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. As always, if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
We continue to restrict visitors to our hospital, Long Term Care, Springvale Assisted Living and Springvale Independent Living to help protect our staff and the people we’re caring for, especially the most vulnerable. If you have any questions about our services during this time, please call 515-332-4200 and we will gladly assist you.
We have also adjusted our main entrance hours during this time; the doors will be opened and unlocked Monday-Thursday 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 6:30 a.m.-8:15 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Please enter through the Emergency Room any other times.
What we need now is the help of our community to ensure our healthcare resources will allow us to continue providing the best care possible. You can help to reduce and potentially prevent the spread of COVID-19 by continuing to follow the current recommendations:
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Practice social distancing
• Avoid community gatherings
• Wash your hands
• Be respectful of others, especially the most vulnerable
• Most importantly, now is the time to stay calm and be informed
These simple steps ARE making a difference.
If you have further questions, the Iowa Department of Public Health is available 24/7 at 2-1-1 to answer any questions you may have, and information may be found on-line at coronavirus.iowa.gov. You may also call our hospital at 515-332-4200.
Hang in there as we continue to fight this fight. We’re in this together and we will get through this.