HCMH annonces preparedness for 1st COVID-19 case
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital, county EMS, Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, Humboldt County Emergency Management and the Humboldt Fire Department will "Light the Way," this Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. Citizens are asked to step outside their home or look out their windows to see emergency vehicle drive around the city of Humboldt in a noisy and colorful parade. There will be no one walking in the parade, just a group of emergency vehicles. The event is planned to give Humboldt and Dakota City residents a sign of strength and hope in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Details on the route can be found on our COVID-19 link under April 3.
By KENT THOMPSON
While Humboldt County awaits its first positive case for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Humboldt County Memorial Hospital (HCMH) and UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine - Humboldt officials say they are prepared, and are asking for the public's health and cooperation in combating the deadly pandemic, which has infected 549 Iowans and more than 226,000 Americans. There have been 11 Iowa deaths as of April 2.
Regarding equipment, HCMH CEO Michelle Sleiter said the hospital is “OK for the present time,” but could well be in a shortage stage should the virus escalate locally. “We want to thank Sande Construction for donating many masks for our use,” Sleiter said. She said not all patients being seen require the precaution of the N95 protective masks.
Regarding tests kits for the virus, Sleiter said the hospital has a few and hopes to get more.
“Tests are important during a pandemic as they are the only way to stay ahead without a vaccine. People are isolating themselves, which is good, but it’s hard to expect that to be 100 percent effective in stopping the spread,” HCMH chief of medical staff and UnityPoint physician Dr. Cassidy Long said.
Board member Tim McCartan asked what symptoms a person has to exhibit before a test is administered?
“If they have traveled to one of five countries where the pandemic is the most pronounced within the past 14 days, a high fever and respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19, and/or the person has been in close contact with a person known to be COVID-19 positive,” Dr. Long responded.
Sleiter reports that HCMH and UnityPoint network hospitals have ventilators.
A person who believes they are ill with Coronavirus should not go to the emergency room unless their symptoms are life threatening. Call the Iowa Department of Public Health hotline at 211. Also consult with your local physician over the phone.
To read more on this story and other COVID-19 related information see this week's Humboldt Independent. Available in print and digital formats delivered to you.
