COVID-19 — Behind the scenes —Part 8 (April 17)
Sun, 04/19/2020 - 3:02pm
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By:
Marcie Klomp
CRESCO - The Regional Health Services of Howard County COVID-19 (coronavirus) Community Partnership met through a
tele-call on Friday, April 17.
Some of the things on everyone’s mind was the escalation of Region 6, of which Howard County is part of, to a Level 10.
The biggest change in this was that individuals were advised not to visit in other’s homes.
Another change was cancelling schools for the rest of the school year.
This group keep healthcare workers, community leaders, city officials and others aware of what everyone else is going
through and is a resource if needed. RHSHC CEO Robin Schluter conducted the meeting.
• Schluter noted RHSHC is masking all ER patients. “We are assuming all those coming in are positive, until they are
screened,” she said.
The Clinic is also asking patients to wear a mask when going in for an appointment.
• Audrey Nosbisch continues to communicate with businesses on updates to being safe for employees and customers.
• Howard County Emergency Management Coordinator Darrell Knecht was getting ready to ask for more PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment) from the state, so those in need were to get in touch with him.
Schluter also stated RHSHC now has an analyzer for the 45-minute COVID-19 test. She added, the facility does not have extra kits, but if
any neighboring counties need their kits tested, the hospital can do it.
“These are the same ones that are being used for the Tyson plant in Waterloo,” she explained.
• Country Winds Manor continues to gather PPE per chance they have a case at that facility. Allison Pedretti mentioned they
are trying to find a space that would work for a quarantine area if needed.
Schluter said RHSHC staff could help with that.
• Evans Memorial Home is having staff and residents wear masks. They have a wing that is empty that could be used for
quarantine of a new admission if needed.
• Riceville Family Care & Therapy is having staff wear disposable masks and face shields, but would appreciate any PPE
available.
• Kessel Kids will take new children during the COVID-19 pandemic, but only temporarily. When things open up, their
permanent families will take precedence.
Schluter said the University of Iowa healthcare student reached out to offer assistance, which included childcare. “We aren’t
seeing it as a possibility with Kessel Kids, but we can reach out if we need to.”
• Howard-Winneshiek Supt Ted Ihns stated school sand activities are closed. “We are still trying to figure out what we are
going to do with prom and graduation,” he went on to say, “Last week we had 700 sign up for meals, that is 3,500 meals
processed on Wednesday. With some of the meat plants closing, we probably will run out of commodities at some point, but
right now, we don’t have any issues.” He also said they order 6,000-7,000 single cartons of milk per week.
Schluter commented the school on the extra effort they have of delivering meals to the hospital. “We have some clinic staff
that have down times during the day. We could share some of those to help put meals together.”
• Notre Dame has been allowing some families to come in and pick up their school items.
• Donna Thomas of Cresco Bank & Trust said a lot of the economic stimulus payments have been deposited. “The
government had $350 billion in available for small businesses, and that money is gone. Cresco and Decorah Bank & Trust
have given out $30 million in loans , with one-quarter of those being in Howard County.”
• CUSB Bank lenders have also been busy with the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program). They have processed 130
applications for $14.4 million and have 19 applications waiting.
• Jason Passmore at Howard County Business & Tourism agreed the PPP loans well has run dry. “But we will be sending out
an e-mail that has different grants available to businesses. Check out the website.”
• Howard County Supervisor Pat Murray thanked everyone for all they are doing.
• Cresco Fire Chief Neal Stapelkamp said the department has received 200 face shields. Some will be available to whoever
needs them on a first come first serve basis.
The committee will continue to meet until Howard County has faced and gotten over the COVID-19 threat.
