DES MOINES, Iowa—The Iowa Department of Public Health is following very closely the spread of COVID-19, a coronavirus first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019.  The spread of the disease across the world has created a lot of concern.  The Iowa Department of Public Health continues to make updated information available:

General Prevention

It is important to note there are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans. There are four common coronaviruses (229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1) that circulate widely. Most people will get infected with one or more of the common human coronaviruses in their lifetime. 

IDPH recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses, including:

·   Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

·   Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

·   Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·   Stay home when you are sick.

·   Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing.

·   Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

CDC does not recommend face masks for the general public.

For Business/Employers

Review your emergency plans!!!! Businesses should be reviewing their emergency plans, and if businesses do not have emergency plans, they need to be developed.

• Businesses need to establish their planning priorities, examples could include:

(a) reducing transmission among staff,

(b) protecting people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications,

(c) maintaining business operations, and

(d) minimizing adverse effects on other entities in their supply chains.

Government Entities, First Responders and specifically EMS providers

Review your emergency plans and if you do not have emergency plans, they need to be developed.

The responsibilities described in this section are not specific for the care and transport of patients with potential or confirmed COVID-19. However, this guidance presents an opportunity to assess current practices and verify that training and procedures are up-to-date.

Initial assessment of every patient with respiratory illness should begin from a distance of at least 6 feet from the patient, if possible. Patient contact should be minimized to the extent possible until a surgical type face mask is on the patient. EMS providers should follow standard procedures and use appropriate personal protection for evaluating a patient with a potential respiratory infection.

● EMS units should have infection control policies and procedures in place, including describing a recommended sequence for safely donning and doffing PPE.

● Provide all EMS providers with job- or task-specific education and training on preventing transmission of infectious agents, including refresher training.

(contributed information, IDPH and Boone County Emergency Management)