“Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of those in our community,” said Webster County Health Department Director Kari Prescott during a meeting on the virus Friday afternoon at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center. “There is not an identified case in Webster County as of today. However, situations change very quickly.”

In terms of supplies, Troy Martens, chief operating officer for UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge, said the hospital is prepared.

“Supplies are being closely monitored across this country,” he said. “We are very cognizant of the protective equipment for our staff and using them wisely and safely. We feel prepared. Our staff is trained and educated to care for patients.”

In light of the national state of emergency issued by President Donald Trump on Friday, Martens said that will open up additional federal funding options for the hospital.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Leah Glasgo, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge, left, and Troy Martens, chief operating officer, listen in during a meeting on COVID-19 preparedness at the hospital on Friday.

Leah Glasgo, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge, said the hospital’s biggest challenge to this point has been the high number of influenza patients.

Martens added, “There has been an increase in the prevalence of the flu — the normal season uptick. We have been managing and caring for those patients as they need that acute level care.”

The hospital has implemented a standard visitor restriction policy.

“Because of the flu we have our visitor restrictions in place,” Glasgo said. “We suspended our hall walkers program and are doing less meetings. We have restricted business travel.”

Prescott said proper handwashing is one of the best things people can do to prevent the spread of an illness.

“We want people to wash their hands with soap and water since there’s been a shortage of hand sanitizer and other products,” Prescott said.

She encourages people not to overstock on supplies, leaving others without.

“We encourage residents to have a 14 day supply of food, pain relievers, and prescription medications, but there is not a need to stockpile supplies,” Prescott said. “Residents should also create a contact list of family, friends, and neighbors, who are at greater risk and might need checking on or help with supplies.”

Prescott said people over the age of 60 are particularly vulnerable to illnesses like the flu or COVID-19.

“We are advising our vulnerable population, which is classified as our elderly, to not go to as many social events,” Prescott said. “We also want our public to know we are taking a community approach to activities in the community — coordinating with city officials, hospital and providers, faith-based community, long-term care, law enforcement, school systems, Iowa Central and first responders.”

Prescott said if someone is diagnosed with the flu or COVID-19, they should isolate themselves.

“Even with the recommendation for social distancing, residents should continue to practice everyday preventive actions such as staying home when sick, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces and objects like doorknobs, light switches, tables, countertops, cell phones, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” Prescott said.

Glasgo said if someone believes they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, they need to consult their physician.

“People need to call before coming in unless they are in critical condition, then use the 911 system,” Glasgo said, adding that most people will be able to be treated from home.

A vaccine for COVID-19 does not yet exist.

“Like many viruses, it will need to run its course,” Prescott said.

Prescott added the Webster County 911 dispatchers have been instructed to ask a few more precautionary questions to callers.

“Just so we have an idea what precautions our first responders need to take,” Prescott said.

Fort Dodge Mayor Matt Bemrich added, “We are taking a unified approach for everyone who has a stake in prevention and assisting if the virus becomes active in our county.”

Bemrich emphasized that decisions are being made based on facts.

“We are not reacting based on rumors, only on facts being given to us through our health department, governor’s office and federal agencies that we would coordinate with,” Bemrich said. “We are not going to react to someone’s rumor or some social media post. We think it’s important for public to stay calm.”

When asked how long it’s anticipated that COVID-19 will remain an issue, Bemrich said, “No one can answer that question. It will be a constantly evolving conversation.”

In terms of decisions for businesses to change work schedules or plans, Bemrich said those are decisions to be made by those specific companies.

“Businesses and employers should make those decisions for themselves,” he said. “We are not telling people how or what to do with that type of decision. That’s something they need to decide for themselves at this point.”

He said from a city standpoint, all systems are a go.

“Essential services are fully prepared and ready,” Bemrich said. “All city government functions are status quo and running as normal. If anything changes, we would work with incident command and EOC.”

Bemrich said community leaders will continue to meet regularly in the coming days to address the latest concerns.

Notable cancelations/announcements

• Iowa Central Community College is moving all classes temporarily to remote delivery beginning March 25 and continuing through April 3. On March 23 and March 24, faculty will have work days to prep for remote delivery for classes. Students will not have face to face classes on March 23 and March 24.

High School concurrent/earlybird classes will continue and career academies will remain open. Current online course will resume March 24 as scheduled.

• The Karl King Municipal Band concert scheduled for Sunday has been canceled.

• The Iowa Democratic Party has postponed its county conventions to a future date to be determined.

• Fort Dodge public schools are asking families of students returning from travel to affected areas to self-isolate for 14 days. Those days will not be counted against students for absenteeism.

• Friendship Haven is no longer allowing visitors on campus until further notice. The Wellness Center, Pocket Door gift shop and Stop N’Shop will also be closed until further notice. Volunteers do not need to report for their duties. Doors between different neighborhoods will be closed and residents are asked to stay in their areas. Residents are asked not to travel off campus if possible.

• Similar protocols are in place at Fort Dodge Villa Care Center which is has also instituted a no visitor policy.

•cBishop R. Walker Nickless, of the Diocese of Sioux City announced, “all Catholics over age 65 and anyone, regardless of age, with underlying medical issues,” are free from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Also, those with a sincere belief that they are at risk or are ill do not have to attend Mass.

Guidelines:

COVID-19 testing framework criteria for hospital testing, per Iowa Department of Public Health:

• Hospitalized patients with fever and respiratory failure and no alternate diagnosis.

• Hospitalized older adults (>60 years of age) with fever and respiratory symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing) and chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, immunosuppressive medications, chronic lung disease, or chronic kidney disease).

• Any persons with household contact with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days prior to becoming ill with fever or respiratory symptoms.

• Any persons with a history of international travel to a country impacted by COVID-19 or have taken an international cruise in the 14 days prior to becoming ill with fever and respiratory symptoms and no alternate diagnosis.