As the Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed multiple cases of COVID-19 in Guthrie County, residents are reminded of the precautions Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics is taking to protect patients, visitors, and staff.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf says anyone entering the hospital or clinics is screened for flu and COVID-19 symptoms and is asked to wash their hands. Kempf urges any residents who feel they may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to contact the hospital or clinics before arriving, and to stay in their vehicle before receiving further instruction from the staff, “Of course they’re not allowing any visitors on the in-patient floor where they actually have patients. But they do have some exceptions like in the case of a critically-ill patient or end of life situations, they will work with a nurse to try and make exceptions to get a person in to see that patient.”

Kempf adds that patients in the Emergency Room are allowed to have one visitor with them, but they must be at least 18 years old and cannot have symptoms like a cough, sneeze, or fever. Sneakers Cafe and the fitness center are also closed at the hospital until further notice, but they are offering breakfast and lunch for curbside pickup. Sneakers Cafe asks that those interested call them a day in advance at 641-332-3818.