Latest Myrtue Updates (3/12/2020)

How is Myrtue Preparing?

• Myrtue Medical Center thoroughly monitoring the development of COVID-19 (2019 novel Coronavirus) and taking all appropriate and necessary precautions for the safety and well-being of our community.
• We are working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC, as well as local public and private partners to respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
• For the past several weeks, Myrtue and Public Health has been proactively preparing by instituting strategic planning and safety measures. We have been in contact with schools, businesses, nursing home facilities and churches to disseminate information and assist in their planning and preparation.

What is Myrtue Implementing at our Facility to our Community

• Myrtue is limiting the access points that patients and visitors can use to enter our buildings starting Friday, March 13. This is to ensure that everyone who enters our buildings has been screened. Here is a listing of open entrances:
• Main Clinic entrance—1220 Chatburn Ave, Harlan
  • Saturday – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Monday – Friday – 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Emergency Room—1213 Garfield Ave, Harlan
  • 24 hours – 7 days a week

We encourage visitors to use the ER parking lot and the available street parking by the ER entrance.

• At these two entrances, screenings questions will be asked. The screening questions include:
  • Do you have a fever or respiratory symptoms?
  • Did you travel to areas affected by the coronavirus within 14 days?
  • Have you been in close contact with a person who has been laboratory-confirmed with coronavirus?

• We are requesting the public to limit inpatient and OB visits.
• The public may notice the increased number of Myrtue staff wearing masks in order to protect our community. You will also notice extra signage and supplies throughout the facility to encourage masking, hand hygiene, and other preventive measures.
• If you are showing symptoms such as a cough, fever and/or shortness of breath, please call ahead to your practitioner. It is very important to call prior to coming to the hospital or clinic. You will be given special instructions for your appointment.

Everyone can do their part to help respond to this emerging public health threat

• Every-day prevention methods are very important:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you are ill.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Keep children home when they are sick.

• Perform routine cleaning

o Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.

Find up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Iowa at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow IDPH on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentofPublicHealth and Twitter at @IAPublicHealth. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 27/7 by calling 211. Information can also be found on our website at www.myrtuemedical.org and on our social media pages.