Floyd County health services prepare for COVID-19

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

As of Thursday, no one in Floyd County has tested positive for COVID-19.

Local medical and emergency services are preparing for the day that’s no longer true.

“We have things in place. We will need to make the call whenever it gets to that level,” said Lezlie Weber, director of the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency. “That stuff is preplanned and taken care of for the county as a whole.”

Gail Arjes, administrator for Floyd County Public Health/Home Health Care, said quite a few tests have been run throughout Floyd County, and to this point, they’ve all come back negative.

“It’s not that there’s no testing being done, there is testing being done,” Arjes said. “It’s just that all have come back negative so far, which is a good thing.”

Arjes said the county has test kits, and is also using the state hygienic lab for testing. She said the state lab has a very specific framework and the county needs to follow its guidelines.

Although some places, such as nearby Cerro Gordo County, have set up drive-through testing tents, Arjes doesn’t feel that’s necessary here yet.

“Right now, we don’t see a need for that at this time. But if the time comes, we are prepared for doing something like that,” she said. “With the numbers we are seeing, we are right where we need to be. We are always trying to stay ahead of the numbers.”

For now, Arjes said, the focus is on working on response and keeping the community updated. The county is looking into how to rearrange facilities to accommodate more people, if necessary, and the best practices for keeping the infected away from the uninfected.

“At public health, we are really trying to get as much information out to as many residents as possible,” Arjes said. “We really need people to follow things such as social distancing, hand washing, covering your cough, calling your provider before you go in — don’t just show up to get tested.

“The message we want to get out to people is stay at home when they’re sick,” she said.

Weber said that Emergency Management works with the state and is able to help the hospital, the ambulance service and other local facilities with necessary supplies.

“I’m working closely with Gail, helping with the things she’s doing,” Weber said. “I take direction from the Iowa Department of Public Health, Gov. Reynolds and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.”

Weber said that donations are much appreciated — anything that can help provide for those in need is helpful.

“If you are looking for some way to help or provide services in another capacity, please contact me if you can sew, or provide some time to help deliver meals,” Weber said.

Dawn Staudt, station supervisor at American Medical Response ambulance service in Charles City, said that AMR is now set up to deliver prescriptions, food and other supplies to homes.

“This is a way to help people and let them know that we’re still here,” Staudt said. “We are doing what we can to help keep them in their homes and out of the public, so they don’t run the risk of getting sick.”

The service is for Floyd County residents who are at a higher risk, such as elderly residents or residents who have conditions that compromise their immune systems. The number to call for assistance is 641-257-6111, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Arjes said that she can’t stress enough the importance of avoiding person-to-person contact at this time.

“Even though you may not be feeling ill, there’s still a chance you’re spreading the virus,” Arjes said. “If you’re not worried about your health, you should be worried about the health of those you come into contact with.”

She said that, in particular, the elderly or those who are immunocompromised could get really sick from the virus.

Weber said the Floyd County Emergency Management Facebook page regularly shares information from trusted sources, to help combat misinformation about COVID-19. She often posts updated info from state emergency management, public health and the CDC.

“As long as everyone listens to the guidance, our worries go down,” Weber said.

Arjes said that things change rapidly, and the IDPH is always looking at the data and analyzing it. Staying informed is an individual’s best measure to stay safe from COVID-19.

“I can’t predict what may happen today or tomorrow,” Arjes said, but as far as how long the COVID-19 situation will last, “it’s going to be a while.”