Marion County Public Health is wanting to squash rumors throughout the county regarding the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). According to Marion County Public Health when a new virus like COBID 19 emerges on the public health scene, it’s normal to be concerned about it, especially as it has caused so much illness and death in China. Marion County Public Health has been working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about COVID 19 and its risk.

Marion County Public Health Director Kim Dorn tells KNIA/KRLS News anytime information is shared about the disease, especially on social media, it is important to understand where the information is coming from and to read all the information. Dorn says to make sure the website the article is from is a credible website and people should read the entire article before sharing any information. Dorn says a lot of false information about the need for people to be wearing masks has been spread and she says that masks are currently not needed, and in fact by spreading that false information it can lead to a scarcity of masks that might be needed for other healthcare professionals.

The Iowa Department of Public Health updates its COVID-19 website every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with current data on Iowans being monitored or tested for the virus, and what the test results are. The website is also updated immediately with new information as necessary. Right now, according to the health department the most important thing for Marion County residents to do is to continue the prevention measures they would use for any respiratory virus.  Clean your hands frequently with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or upper arm and contain germs by staying home when ill.