Photo from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Marion County has its first reported case of COVID-19. A release issued by Marion County Public Health indicated a patient has tested positive, and the department has been in contact with the individual, and will be contacting those who have been in contact with that person to give them the steps they need to take.

“Marion County residents must also continue to do their part to prevent the spread by practicing safe habits like hand washing, staying home when sick, and continuing to follow the 30 Days to Slow the Spread as set forth by President Trump,” said Kim Dorn, Marion County Public Health Director.

Approximately 80 percent of Iowans infected with the novel coronavirus will experience mild to moderate illness, and most do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and self-isolate themselves from others until they have no fever for at least 72 hours, other symptoms have improved, and seven days total after all symptoms have passed.

Effective now, the following restrictions are in place at local hospitals:
No visitors are permitted unless:
– the patient is under 18 (one parent/caregiver allowed)
– birthing center (one support person allowed at Pella Regional)
– Patients in Need of Assistance (1 visitor allowed)
– Emergency Department/Surgery (1 visitor allowed)
– End of Life Care (Limit 2 visitors at any time)

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID-19 in Iowa provided by IDPH can be found at https://idph.iowa.gov/. A public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431.