Latest on COVID-19 locally

HOWARD COUNTY - The Regional Health Services of Howard County COVID-19 (coronavirus) Community Partnership met through a tele-call on Wednesday, May 6.

RHSHC CEO Robin Schluter shared, “We are taking reasonable steps to reopen. We don’t want to miss any GI problems or breast cancer. We need to take care of our community and keep our staff safe.”

The hospital has been able to access some support funds, but RHSHC is reserving some funds. “The money was sent first, and then rules were made up afterwards,” she said. The hospital does not want to have to pay funds back if it comes to that.

Schluter stated Hospital Week was the week of May 11. “We have some fun activities for our staff.”

• Audrey Nosbisch, Public Health Director, said her staff is helping community members on opening things up safely.

She added IDPH guidelines changed from seven to 10 days of staying isolated

• Another load of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) arrived according to Howard County Emergency Management Director Darrell Knecht.

• Country Winds Manor reported they received six coronavirus test kids that did not come with instructions. They later found out they needed to be refrigerated. They had to order new ones.

Evans Memorial Home was thankful for the heads-up. They had received a shipment of 50 that week that had instructions in it.

Riceville Family Care & Therapy also did not know about refrigeration.

• Howard-Winneshiek Supt. Ted Ihns reported no new news.

Notre Dame School is cleaning classrooms.

Riceville CDS is planning a drive-through graduation.

NICC is looking at virtual events for students this summer.

• Rod Friedhof noted the City of Cresco is planning to open the library and fitness center slowly on May 18.

Pat Murray said the Board of Supervisors is waiting for the governor’s press conference on May 15 before reopening.

Chuck Reicks of Cresco Fire Department shared the blood drive went well and the next is planned for late June/early July.

• Nothing new was happening from Cresco Bank & Trust. Donna Thomas reported they were still working on how to open.

Scott Thomson said the five locations of CUSB Bank plan to have a shield on desks to protect employees. They decided that with face masks it was all or nothing. He was told all staff should be wearing masks. 

• The Chamber reported some summer events are being cancelled.

Nosbisch leaned toward being in favor of cancelling events until a vaccine is released. “We should remain cautious.”

Robin added to keep following social distancing recommendations.

• Schluter updated the group on the respiratory clinic, which has been advised to stay open through the winter.

• As of Monday, May 11, Howard County has had 12 positive tests for COVID-19 with nine of those totally recovered.

• Each day, Gov. Kim Reynolds has a press release. It is suspected that this week will show more of the state opening up.