March 11, 2020

Coronavirus Update (March 11, 2020)

We understand the Novel Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is causing much anxiety in our community, state and the world. Osceola Regional Health Center, Avera Medical Group Sibley, and Osceola Community Health Services are working together to ensure patients, residents, and community members are informed.

What is Known

  • The virus causing COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified, and causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe respiratory disease.
  • Similar to influenza, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are the elderly population and those with other chronic or underlying medical conditions.
  • There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19, so prevention is very important.

Visitor Restrictions

Sibley Specialty Care and Heartwood Heights currently are restricting access to all non-essential visitors at this time. COVID-19 effects older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please call each facility if you have questions about access.

How it Spreads

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Call your doctor if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or you have traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

Steps to Prevent Illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

How can I help protect myself?

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

What to do if you are sick with coronavirus (COVID-19)

  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor
  • Wear a facemask
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Avoid sharing personal household items
  • Clean your hands often
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day
  • Monitor your symptoms
  • Discontinue home isolation in consultation with healthcare providers (754-3658) and local health department.

Coronavirus Testing FAQ

When I call my healthcare provider will I get tested for coronavirus?

Your healthcare provider will decide if you meet the criteria to be evaluated for testing. If you meet the criteria your provider will then contact the Iowa Department of Health and review your case with them. The Iowa Department of Public Health will determine if you meet the CDC testing guidelines. No testing can be performed without approval from the Iowa Department of Health and testing cannot be performed solely for return to work requests.

How does the testing work?

If testing is approved a health care professional will collect the appropriate specimens and the ORHC laboratory staff will arrange transport to the Iowa Hygienic Laboratory. Testing will take approximately 24 – 48 hours. Results will be called directly to the provider.

How do the results work?

Positive results will be reported directly to the Iowa Department of Health by the Iowa Hygienic Laboratory. Osceola Regional Health Center laboratory staff and/or Avera Medical Group staff are not allowed to call the Iowa Hygienic Laboratory for results, they will contact the provider when results are completed.

What the public should do

  • Stay informed
  • Remember to take everyday prevention actions
  • If you feel sick call your doctor’s office (754-3658) or emergency room (754-2574) before you arrive so that they can take the necessary precautions.

CDC Guidance

Contacts

Avera Medical Group Sibley – Clinic (712-754-3658)

Osceola Community Health Services – Public Health (712-754-4611)

Osceola Regional Health Center – Emergency Department (712-754-2574)

As with all medical concerns, please call Avera Medical Group Sibley to schedule an appointment at 712-754-3658. Please notify your provider if you have concerns that you may have COVID-19. This will help the provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.