COVID-19 reminders from VMH and Iowa Department of Public Health
Veterans Memorial Hospital and the Iowa Department of Public Health wishes to remind the community of these facts and ways the public can help during this COVID-19 challenge.
• Anyone with respiratory symptoms must call the hospital first at 563-568-3411 before coming in.
• Anyone with flu-like symptoms that is requesting to be tested for COVID-19 must meet all criteria to qualify for a test. Screenings will be performed over the phone by calling the hospital at 563- 568-3411 and asking for the COVID-19 phone line.
• Patients who have the COVID-19 virus or influenza are asked to remain at home. But, if your symptoms become more serious and you are having difficulty breathing or have an uncontrollable high fever, call the hospital.
• Call the Iowa Department of Public Health COVID-19 Hotline with any additional questions, by dialing 2-1-1.
• All visitors to Veterans Memorial Hospital remain restricted. This is in an effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus within the hospital. In the event of a special circumstance, such as a terminal patient, family members may call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 and speak with the charge nurse about the situation.
• All outpatients and visitors with special circumstances should enter through the hospital’s main entrance where they will be screened at the door.
• Emergency patients are still asked to come to the ER entrance of Veterans Memorial Hospital.
• There will be no immunization clinics or foot clinics until further notice.
• All classes, support groups, community wellness laboratory testing, and all other public programs have been cancelled until further notice.
Symptoms of the COVID-19 Coronavirus include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health is working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC, as well as local public and private partners to respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The public can help by:
• Practice social distancing.
• Stay away from gatherings of people.
• Maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and others.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20-seconds each time.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Stay home when ill - even mildly ill.
According to the Iowa Department of Public health, about 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only mild to moderate illness.
- People who are mildly to moderately ill DO NOT need to be tested to confirm they have COVID-19.
- People who are mildly to moderately ill do not need to see their healthcare provider.
- Even people who are mildly to moderately ill need to stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house until:
• They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
And
• Other symptoms have improved (for example, their cough or shortness of breath have improved)
And
• At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
Everyone can do his or her part to help respond to COVID-19. Every-day prevention methods are very important:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Stay home if you are ill.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Also perform routine cleaning. Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.
Watch for further updates from Veterans Memorial Hospital through the local newspapers and radio stations as well as the hospital’s Facebook page and website at www.veteransmemorialhospital.com.
