Author: Theresa Rose

COVID-19 community spread confirmed in Iowa, state agencies take additional measures to limit spread and assist IowansDES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of one additional positive case of an Iowan with COVID-19, for a total of 18 positive cases. The individual is an older adult age 61-80, and a resident of Dallas County.

Additionally, IDPH has determined, based on the new COVID-19 case and the announcement this evening of community spread in Omaha, Neb., there is now community spread in our state.

Community spread occurs when individuals have been infected with the virus in an area and cannot specifically identify the source of the infection, or do not know how or where they became infected.

Due to the detection of community spread, there are new recommendations for individuals with underlying conditions, and all Iowans should be prepared for cancellations and disruptions in routine activities.

Mitigation measures should be implemented immediately to have the most significant impact on slowing the spread of the virus.

Leaders of institutions and organizers of events should begin to act on their contingency plans related to large gatherings, including church services. Iowans should not hold or attend large gatherings of more than 250 people, and consider making adjustments for smaller gatherings with high risk groups.

Health care organizations should also review their contingency plans and consider how telehealth can support the needs of Iowans.

At this time, school closures are not recommended. Based on CDC guidelines:

• If a school has a positive case in a student, faculty member or visitor, we recommend a short-term suspension of a few days for cleaning to mitigate spread of the virus.
• If there is significant absenteeism of staff and students, they should consider a short to medium length suspension of 2 to 4 weeks.
• For substantial community spread, longer suspensions of 4 to 8 weeks or more are recommended.

Iowans should do their part to protect their health and the health of others:

• Individuals 60 years of age and older with underlying conditions should stay at home and avoid gatherings or other situations of potential exposures, including travel to affected areas.
• Consider personal social distancing measures: avoid large gatherings, limit the number of attendees per gathering.
• Consider working remotely or online learning when possible.
• Encourage staff to telework (when feasible), particularly individuals at increased risk of severe illness.
• Limit non-essential work travel and gatherings.
• Follow CDC guidance regarding school closures if a school-based case is identified, implement short term suspension for school cleaning and contact tracing, and alter schedules to reduce student mixing. Cancel extracurricular activities as needed.

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa provided by IDPH can be found here. In addition, 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.

State agencies are taking the following steps: 

The Iowa Department of Public Health encourages long term care facilities to align their practices with recent guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services which limits non-essential visitors to long term care facilities. In addition, IDPH is requesting that long term care facilities report to the department when greater than two staff or residents are ill with respiratory symptoms without another diagnosis.

The Department further encourages long term care facilities to implement additional visitor limitation protocols as deemed necessary to protect the life and safety of their residents.

Today, Iowa Veterans Home announced it is restricting all visitors to both residents and staff in accordance with new national guidelines for nursing homes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Only Iowa Veterans Home staff will be allowed access, and all staff will be screened prior to entering.

Similarly, the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) suspended all in-person visitation for their six state-run facilities to prevent risk to the individuals served and to mitigate against community-spread. The Department will consider limited exceptions and is offering virtual options to allow continued communication with loved ones.

In addition, DHS is putting policies in place to ensure access to childcare during this time, including financial and operational assistance. These include paying child care providers based on enrollment rather than attendance, and expediting licensing to enable increasing capacity. Childcare inspection and regulatory functions will shift to provide technical assistance focused on hygiene and sanitation. DHS also recognizes the stress that emergency events cause children and families and are developing strategies to identify and address their needs.

Iowans can help prevent the spread of illness by following simple daily precautions including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and IDPH recommends getting the flu vaccine. Influenza activity is widespread in Iowa and as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to receive the vaccine.

COVID-19 was first linked to an outbreak in Wuhan, China, but cases have subsequently been identified in several countries, including the U.S. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Those most at risk of the virus are older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections has been implementing measures, policies and protocols to prevent the spread and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in the state prisons.

Effective immediately, visiting has been cancelled at all state prisons until further notice. This is being done out of an abundance of caution for the department’s vulnerable population.

While most other correctional departments across the country have also suspended visiting, this decision is rarely easy. The DOC realizes the impact this can have on institution morale over time, and also knows the value of keeping inmates connected with their families. To help address this concern, the department has been exploring reduced cost or free phone calls, reduced cost O-mails, and is working to establish the capability for video visitations.

Regarding the department’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus on the prison population, Director Dr. Beth Skinner commented, “Our staff are taking every precaution within our power to ensure that the prisons are ready to prevent and respond to the introduction of COVID-19.” She also went on to say, “we are working closely with all relevant state agencies such as Iowa Dept. of Public Health and Homeland Security Emergency Management to ensure that we’re taking every step we can to minimize the impact that this virus will have on our population.”

Members of the public can find Department updates related to this pandemic at doc.iowa.gov/COVID19 .

Iowa Wesleyan University Announces Updated Response to COVID-19 Concerns

Mount Pleasant, IA – March 12, 2020 — Iowa Wesleyan University announces an extended spring break for all students as well as an online delivery format for face-to-face classes through April 3.

On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Iowa Wesleyan University President Chris Plunkett announced the University will extend its spring break by one additional week through March 22. This extension will provide the campus with the necessary time to continue making preparations for its response to COVID-19. Effective March 23, all face-to-face classes will move to an online delivery format through at least April 3. Courses already delivered online will proceed as scheduled.   

Plunkett stated, “After careful consideration, we have decided to put some measures in place to protect the health of our campus community.  This is especially important given the pending return of our students, faculty, and staff from their travels over spring break.  We remain deeply committed to our students and their educational journey and to completing the semester.” While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan University or in Henry County as of this statement, it has become clear that this virus has the potential to spread rapidly. Public health officials are urging the practice of social distancing to help slow the spread of the virus.

The campus of Iowa Wesleyan University will remain open during this time, specifically for students who need to return to campus, including international students, and students with transportation limitations, technology limitations, financial challenges, or those with other unique circumstances. But, as large public gatherings pose unique risks, some campus events will be canceled/postponed through Sunday, April 5. Organizers of these events will be contacted directly, and cancellations will be posted on the University’s website.

Athletic Department Update on Iowa Wesleyan’s COVID- 19 Statement
In an effort to update all student-athletes, parents, and community regarding the message
that was sent out by Iowa Wesleyan University President, Christine Plunkett, here is specific
information regarding the Athletic Department’s plan of action to ensure the safety and health of
our student-athletes, faculty and staff, and community in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective March 15th, all spring sports programs are postponed until April 4th. All
practices and competition for all athletic programs will be halted until the University makes an
announcement on the remainder of the semester. Housing, dining services, and essential campus
functions will remain open. Any student-athlete who does not feel comfortable being on campus
will be supported in their decision to remain home.
Every effort will be made to reschedule varsity contests that are postponed between now
and April 3rd. In addition, all athletic facilities on Iowa Wesleyan’s campus, including the
weight room, fitness center, Old Gymnasium, walking track, and Ruble Arena are closed to the
public, effective March 16th at 5:00 pm.
Health screenings will occur regularly to ensure the safety of our student-athletes, faculty
and staff, as well as the community of Mount Pleasant.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Derek Zander, Director of
Athletics, at derek.zander@iw.edu .
Tiger Athletics : Iowa Wesleyan University strives to provide its student-athletes the
opportunity to be successful in life and sports. Engaged in the SLIAC and UMAC Conferences,
Tiger athletics is a proud member of NCAA Division III.

Plunkett continued, “We are in uncharted territory for our country and our University, and we must all anticipate disruptions to our normal schedules and routines. The health of our students and employees is our highest priority.”

For the latest information regarding the academic calendar or on-campus activities at Iowa Wesleyan University visit: www.iw.edu/covid-19. 

There is currently no known community spread of COVID-19 in Iowa and IDPH is not making any recommendations to cancel planned events and mass gatherings at this time.

“Iowa has not identified community spread of COVID-19 at this time, and absent community spread or additional guidance from our federal partners, we aren’t making any recommendations to cancel events,” said Dr. Caitlin Pedati, IDPH medical director and state epidemiologist. “This is, however, a very fluid situation and we urge the public to closely monitor messaging from the Iowa Department of Public Health for updated guidance.”

The CDC has, however, provided specific guidance for high risk groups. Older adults and those with chronic health conditions should stay away from others who are sick, limit close contact with others in general, avoid crowds, and wash hands often.

The CDC also recommends that event organizers prepare for the possibility of outbreaks and ensure they have contingency plans in place should the need arise. The CDC’s guidance for mass gatherings can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html.

The situation related to COVID-19 is changing rapidly, and Iowans should closely monitor messaging from the Iowa Dept of Public Health and CDC for updated guidance if or when community spread of disease is identified.