Vaccine information from HCMH administration
From Michelle Sleiter HCMH CEO and Joleen Sernett, Humboldt County Public Health Director
Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate through the plans of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of today (Thursday, Jan. 21,) we have received a total of 400 prime (1st) dose and 300 2nd doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. We have given 328 of the 400 prime doses and started the 2nd doses of vaccine on Monday, Jan. 18. As of yesterday, 109 individuals have received their 2nd dose.
The Iowa Department of Public Health has begun updating their documents and preparing us for what Phase 1b will look like. As of now, Feb. 1 is the date that we would be able to move into the next phase. We are awaiting the number of doses this will be for Humboldt County to determine how we are going to manage getting the priority groups vaccinated as quickly as possible.
We will not be doing waiting lists at this time due to the inability to manage such a list. We believe we are able to communicate quickly and widespread to ensure ALL Humboldt County residents meeting the requirements for a vaccine will know in advance how this is going to work.
We truly understand how frustrating and concerning this is, but we are doing everything we can with the information we have. We care about you and want you to get the vaccine as quickly as it becomes available. Please continue to stay tuned in to our media outlets and expect additional information next week. We look forward to continuing this fight with you as we move into the next phase.
For COVID-19 Updates in Humboldt County: https://www.humboldthospital.org/news-events/covid-19-update
For Specific COVID-19 Vaccination Updates: https://www.humboldthospital.org/news-events/humboldt-county-covid-19-va...
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Humboldt County Public Health have identified one additional case of COVID-19 in the county. As of today there are 1,060 total positive COVID-19 cases in the county since the first positive case was reported on April 18, 2020. A total of 1,014 cases have recovered and there have been 18 deaths. There are currently 28 active positive COVID-19 cases in the county.
The number of positive cases in the county during the past month has exceeded 200, a 25 percent increase.
The county’s positivity rate for the past 14 days stands at 12 percent. That ranks Humboldt County the 43rd highest county in the state.
Kossuth County has the distinction of having the highest positivity rate in the state during the past 14 days at 25 percent. Humboldt County’s 12 percent positivity rate compares to 5 percent in Pocahontas County, 6 percent for Calhoun County and 8 percent for Webster County. Wright County is at 15 percent, Hancock County 12 percent and Palo Alto County 11 percent.
The county is reporting no outbreaks at any long-term care facilities.
Humboldt County is part of Region 3, hospitals in 20 northwest counties in the state. On Wednesday, they reported 67 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, down from 80 the day before. The number of COVID patients in ICU beds in the region is eight. It is reported that 42.9 percent of in patient beds are available in the region.
Current Visitor Restrictions at HCMH
As COVID continues to be part of our organization we must continue to closely monitor our visiting policy. Our visitors carry a risk of exposure with them each time they enter our facility. We know how important family is to a patient and their healing process that we don’t want to take away this privilege. Please continue to understand the visiting restrictions and help us hold our visitors accountable to keeping our patients safe. Below are the current restrictions:
Inpatient Care: Patients will be allowed two designated visitors at a time and must be over the age of 16. These designated visitors are the only visitors allowed during the patient’s length of stay. Visiting hours are daily from 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
Outpatient Services: Patients will be allowed one visitor, but we prefer patients come alone when able. This helps with social distancing as well.
Emergency Room: Patients will be allowed two visitors at a time and must be over the age of 16.
Long Term Care, Springvale Assisted Living: Restrictions continue to be based on the current regulatory guidelines that include our positivity rates in the county and employees/residents that are positive.
Visitors are allowed in certain circumstances such as compassionate care situations or end of life. These are all scheduled visits organized by our LTC leadership team. Our chat room is also available for families but requires scheduling in advance.
Springvale Independent Living: Visitors are allowed by appointment only. Please call 515-332-4500 to make an appointment.
*Exceptions continue to be made for end of life care and those struggling with confusion or delirium in all areas/departments.
