COVID-19 Community Spread Mitigation Recommendations

On Sunday, March 15^th, the state received news that Iowa has had its third case of community-acquired COVID-19. Community spread occurs when individuals become infected with the virus in a community and cannot specifically identify the source of the infection (such as international travel or direct exposure to an infected person). Iowa is now considered to be at minimal to moderate risk of community transmission of COVID-19.

In order to reduce the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the local level, social distancing measures are now being recommended. Community mitigation practices that reduce the likelihood of local spread include:

• Reducing activities including group congregation and religious services.
• Cancel or postpone large gatherings that include at-risk individuals.
• For organizations that serve high-risk populations, cancelling gatherings of 10 people or more.

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. These underlying health conditions include:

• • Blood disorders
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Compromised immune systems
  • Current or recent pregnancy (2 weeks post-delivery)
  • Endocrine disorders such as diabetes
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions

The Myrtue Medical Center Department of Public Health continues to work with community partners to limit the spread of COVID-19. Each person can do their part to protect their health and the health of others in our community. For more information, please go to https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus. For daily local updates, please go to the Myrtue Medical Center Facebook page.