IOWA FALLS, IOWA (March 25, 2020) — Iowa Health Care Association President and CEO Brent Willett today issued the following statement regarding the positive diagnosis of COVID-19 at Iowa long-term care facilities.
"Our association is aware that four long-term care providers have reported a combined total of five positive cases of COVID-19. These providers are in are in Dubuque, Linn, Poweshiek, and Washington counties, and all but one of the positive cases involved employees. Those impacted are receiving medical care and will remain in isolation for at least 14 days. All four facilities are in contact with all staff and resident family members and are doing everything they can to support them.
These cases have demonstrated that current screening processes of staff and residents are working. These screening processes enabled facilities to detect these cases quickly and respond. Staff members at these facilities have been following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for screening symptoms of COVID-19 and took immediate action. They have implemented protective protocols, notified residents, families, and staff members, and contacted public health officials.
As part of their infection-control procedures, and to protect the safety and well-being of their residents and staff, these providers will continue to restrict access to their facilities. We respectfully ask the public not attempt to visit long-term care facilities at this time. All Iowa nursing facilities are following guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and not allowing visitors except for medical necessity and end-of-life situations. Those visitors must pass screening protocols. Employees are also screened before they begin their shift. In addition, staff are screening residents daily, closely monitoring their health, and will implement any additional infection-control procedures as needed.
Protecting the health and well-being of Iowa's long-term care residents and employees remains our top priority. We continue to be on high alert for any new updates as the COVID-19 situation evolves, and long-term care providers are taking necessary precautionary steps.
On behalf of the association, I thank our long-term care employees across the state for their hard work and commitment to provide compassionate care for our state's elderly and most vulnerable citizens during this difficult time.
We will post any updates on our website at iowahealthcare.org as they become available."
About the Iowa Health Care Association
The Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) and its divisions, Iowa Center for Assisted Living (ICAL) and Iowa Center for Home Care (ICHC), represent 790 Iowa organizations that provide long-term care to Iowans through nursing facilities, assisted living, residential care, senior-living communities, and home health agencies.
