Atlantic, IA — Cass County Health System is preparing for all scenarios and possible surge of patients related to COVID-19. As we continue to care for the ongoing healthcare needs of the community, both COVID-19 related and regular needs, we need your help in conserving our resources. There are several ways employers can help:

• Do not ask your employees to go to a healthcare provider for a return to work clearance related to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or exposure.
• Do not ask your employees to present to the clinic for us to determine whether or not they are a high risk employee.
• Do not require employees to be tested for COVID-19. The need for testing will be made by the healthcare provider.

These measures help us all stop the spread of COVID-19 while also helping us conserve our supply of gloves, masks, swabs, and other critical supplies. Businesses are also encouraged to consider donating personal protective equipment (PPE) to your local hospital. This could include gloves, gowns, N95 respirators, and face shields.

Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house. Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:

You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND Other symptoms are improving (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.