Community News Stories

DATE:  April 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Decorah Egg Hunt

PRESS CONTACT:  Judy Syverson (563) 382-4158, parkrec@decorahia.org

Decorah Parks and Recreation encourages Decorah households and businesses to participate in the Decorah Egg Hunt Monday, April 6 thru Sunday, April 12 by creating and hanging eggs in their windows and storefronts.

Participants are invited to be creative! Eggs can be paper, cardboard, colored, large, small, or even plastic eggs hanging from a string. The goal is for eggs to be seen by walkers and those passing by in their vehicles to create a fun community-wide event in lieu of our annual Egg Hunt that has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

We hope you’ll join us in hanging eggs in windows as well as taking a walk (or drive) outside to search for eggs in your neighborhood and the Decorah community.

Use #DecorahEggHunt to share your creations with us on social media.

Optional picture attached.

This is an official city press release.  Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of the author.  Any reprint or broadcast of this information must include this entire communication.

In March, Gundersen Medical Foundation’s Microbiology Research Laboratory developed a test that detects coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The test allows Gundersen to produce results in-house for patient testing for COVID-19, reducing the wait time for test results from days to hours.

In addition to this work, Gundersen Medical Foundation’s cancer research team, led by Paraic Kenny, PhD, quickly re-tasked its cancer genome sequencing equipment to focus on COVID-19. Their efforts help to better understand the COVID-19 infections in the La Crosse region and how they relate to the global pandemic.

Dr. Kenny and his team received Institutional Review Board approval to use specimens left over after standard COVID-19 testing is completed and successfully sequenced the complete viral genomes of six of the earliest cases of COVID-19 in La Crosse County.

“At the most basic level, the virus makes occasional ‘spelling mistakes’ when it copies its genome during infection and these mutations are faithfully carried in all subsequent infections by that particular virus,” Dr. Kenny said. “By sequencing the whole viral genome, we have been able to map the different COVID-19 strains currently in La Crosse County. This allows us to go far beyond positive and negative test results to better understand how the virus spreads within our community and healthcare system.”

Gundersen is now contributing to an international effort to understand how the virus evolves as it spreads. Early data have allowed documentation of multiple independent arrivals of different strains of the virus in La Crosse. Several viruses sequenced share molecular fingerprints with viruses that arrived directly in Washington state from China, while others have their origins in strains circulating in France in late-February. The team has also confirmed community spread of one sub strain.

Dr. Kenny’s ability to rapidly profile new cases of the virus may help La Crosse County’s Department of Public Health and Gundersen’s Infectious Disease teams to map how this virus is spreading among individuals in our community.

“The project will help us understand patterns of cluster seeding and spread in the community,” Dr. Kenny said. “By tracking and mapping the sources of individual sub-strain infections, we can quickly understand weak points leading to healthcare worker infection to try to mitigate them and prevent transmission to other staff and patients.”

Use of Homemade Gowns for Patient Care when Commercially produced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is Unavailable
April 5, 2020
The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and there is now widespread community transmission across Iowa. There is
a national shortage of PPE, and public and private officials are working to address national and global supply challenges.
Due to the current limitations on PPE, there may come a time during this response when commercially manufactured
gowns are no longer readily available. If commercially-produced gowns are no longer available, healthcare workers can
use homemade cloth gowns during patient care activities. These homemade gowns are not considered PPE since their
ability to protect against COVID-19 has not yet been studied, however if they are the only protection available, they
should be used.
Health care facilities who choose to receive local donations from Iowans should plan for a drop site and provide
direction to volunteers that prevents entry into the health care facility.
Guidance for use of homemade gowns:
• Care should be taken to ensure that HCP do not touch outer surfaces of the gown during care. Reusable (i.e.,
washable) gowns are typically made of polyester or polyester-cotton fabrics.
• Gowns made of these fabrics can be safely laundered according to routine procedures and reused.
• Laundry operations and personnel may need to be augmented to facilitate additional washing loads and cycles.
• Systems should be established to routinely inspect, maintain (e.g., mend a small hole in a gown, replace missing
fastening ties), and replace reusable gowns when needed (e.g., when they are thin or ripped).
Gowns should be prioritized for the following activities:
• During care activities where splashes and sprays are anticipated, which typically includes aerosol generating
procedures.
• During the following high-contact patient care activities that provide opportunities for transfer of pathogens to
the hands and clothing of healthcare providers, such as:
o Dressing, bathing/showering, transferring, providing hygiene, changing linens, changing briefs or
assisting with toileting, device care or use, wound care.
Surgical gowns should be prioritized for surgical and other sterile procedures.
For additional guidance for the use of homemade isolation gowns for extended use and re-use visit the following CDC
website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/isolation-gowns.html

COVID-19 Guidance on “Drive-In” Worship
Issued: 4/4/2020
Does Governor Reynolds’s order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people prohibit a church from conducting a drivein worship service?
No. People may gather in their vehicles, so long as those attending the service abide by the following measures:
 All persons attending the service must drive up in an enclosed vehicle and remain in that same vehicle during the
entire service. Individuals cannot get out of their vehicle during the service for any reason.
 All vehicle windows, sunroofs and convertible tops must remain closed during the entire service.
No more than 10 people may be in a single vehicle.
People in a single vehicle should be limited to members of the same household who have already been in close
contact with each other and are not sick.
A church hosting a drive-in worship service should take appropriate measures to ensure compliance, including
having church officials or law enforcement available.
Is it safe to distribute food, beverages, communion or other materials?
 No. Food, beverages, communion or other materials should not be distributed before, after or as part of the
service.
Is it safe to collect offering or financial gifts in person?
 Offering should not be collected by ushers going vehicle-to-vehicle or other methods that require in-person
interaction.
 If a church decides it is necessary to collect a physical offering, the safest manner would be a drop-box while
vehicles are leaving the service. Accepting online donations is the best practice.

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet
Updated: 4/4/2020
2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new kind of coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now been detected in
many countries, including in the United States and in Iowa.
There are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans, including four very common, more mild viruses that cause illness
similar to the common cold. Healthcare providers test for these common coronaviruses routinely and no public health measures
are needed to address these common coronaviruses. Three of the seven coronaviruses are rare and can cause more severe
illness, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Symptoms:
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include:
● Fever
● Cough
● Shortness of breath
Reported illnesses have ranged from people being mildly sick to people being severely ill and dying. Older patients and those with
chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness.
There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Testing:
More testing is becoming available each day through the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) and through private labs. Your health
care provider will make the determination on whether you need a test, and can consult with public health if they have questions.
Testing guidance is available here: http://shl.uiowa.edu/dcd/covid19.xml
Additional testing resources here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
Spread:
The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet). Spread
occurs from respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes that land in the mouths or noses of people
who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has
the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Prevention:
CDC has issued travel warnings for some affected countries, with warning levels varying based on the risk to travelers. The Iowa
Department of Public Health recommends that Iowans who have returned from traveling outside the state for business or
vacation in the last 14 days voluntarily self- isolate for 14 days following their return and monitor for fever and other symptoms.
Individuals who have cleared their 14 day self-isolation or public health monitoring are not at risk for spreading COVID-19.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being
exposed to this virus. People can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses to others by covering their coughs and sneezes,
cleaning their hands frequently, and staying home when ill.
Contact information
Iowa Department of Public Health
Please call 211 for general questions

ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
110 ALLAMAKEE STREET
WAUKON, IOWA 52172
3 April 2020
PRESS RELEASE
From: Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency, Allamakee County Public Health and the
Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office
The following release is to provide information related to various rumors and statements specific to the
community of Postville and to also provide additional information related to the COVID-19 response within
Allamakee County.
There have been numerous calls, emails and social media posts reference the arrival of busloads of people
within Postville from outside jurisdictions. In conversation with the local officials in Postville, to include law
enforcement and the leadership within the community mentioned, there is no evidence or credible proof
that this is occurring. While travel is recommended to be restricted in many cases from certain areas, this is
not mandated, and people are still free to travel within the United States. Our guidance to everyone is to
avoid unnecessary travel at this time and social distancing is in place.
There have been also statements heard reference testing tents being set up in this area and this is also
untrue. Any testing within the county would be done with coordination with Allamakee County Public
Health, Allamakee County Emergency Management and the State of Iowa, and this is not taking place.
We are unable to release specific cities or locations within the county of individuals who have tested positive
for COVID-19 and this information will remain to be just by county of residence alone.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are contacted daily by Public Health and everyone within that
home is instructed to stay quarantined within that home until released by Public Health. Many individuals
who have tested positive for COVID-19 are currently off isolation and are able to freely move about. On
Mondays and Fridays Public Health will release how many current positive cases reside in the county, how
many have recovered, how many tests have been processed through the State Hygienic Lab from Allamakee
County, any deaths due to COVID-19 and how many positive cases are currently hospitalized. This
information will be provided to the public through local media sources.
Additionally, Allamakee County Emergency Management, in addition to many other counties throughout the
State, has been provided a single Liaison Officer from the Iowa National Guard. This support has been
provided to aid counties in the planning and preparation of potential contingency situations and their
support has been greatly appreciated as we continue to move forward in response to this pandemic. National
Guard units are also supporting the State with delivery of Personal Protective Equipment needed by
healthcare providers and emergency responders. This included a delivery to Allamakee County.
Finally, we are asking people to be cautious and skeptical of what they read on social media and hear in
conversation. Please understand local county and city authorities are aware of the above-mentioned
concerns and are working with the various agencies and organizations mentioned in these comments to
address credibility and concerns to determine if any action is warranted and/or needed.
Point of contact is Corey Snitker, Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency at 563-568-4233 or
email at csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us.

Effective immediately, the DACC will allow Chamber Dollars to be redeemed by any business in Winneshiek County, regardless of membership to the DACC. This offer will be extended throughout 2020.

“In consideration of how we can support the entire business community, we felt expanding the Chamber Dollar program was an easy way to extend our reach,” says Executive Director, Kristina Wiltgen.

Chamber Dollars are a form of local currency, issued as checks and easily redeemable by businesses. Wiltgen adds, “Chamber Dollars are truly a one-size-fits-all gift while keeping the money in the local economy.”

Chamber Dollars are available through the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce office. Payments via cash or check are accepted, no debit or credit cards. Those interested in purchasing Chamber Dollars can call ahead to pick up or arrange a mail order by calling (563) 382-3990. Please note, mail order will require advance payment.

We understand the difficulty our local businesses and economy will have in the coming months. “Supporting local businesses has never been more important. Local businesses are working hard to bring products and services to us in new and creative ways. Service providers are also working to meet clients where they are. They are committed to this place we all call home.” says Wiltgen.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yOYZZGr39uBTblaKj1WT2sJQi8e903X1iOSby-gWNt8/edit?fbclid=IwAR1u75TahbQ5nRuerqfp1nxydwhZgDb7m6WrkO8wAwszVKwfdkjqJVnRsx0#gid=0

CONTACT: Amy Speed
Director of Marketing & Development
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital
200 Main St, Guttenberg, IA 52052
563-252-5516
amy.speed@guttenberghospital.org
www.guttenberghospital.org
The Covid 19 pandemic is bound to impact all of us at some point.
My sister and her two daughters have been fighting it for 2 weeks, with muscle/body aches and pains, chills,
headaches and shortness of breath. They describe breathing as painful, relieved only by humidification. They are
fatigued, saying that even taking a shower is taxing. My sister is 47, tall, thin, healthy and works out daily. She is
on day 14 and continues to have fevers intermittently of 101. Her daughters are college and high school age and
started recovering on day 8, but continue with fatigue and cough. They live in Iowa.
They are fortunate to be among the 80% that will become ill and won’t need to be hospitalized.
The other 20% of those that become ill WILL need to be hospitalized. To understand how many people will be
impacted, look at the temporary hospitals that are being put up in New York and other places around the country,
tents in Central Park, ships in ports, arena’s and gyms, all there to take care of the 20% that will have severe
symptoms.
PLEASE STAY HOME.
The goal of social distancing is to slow the rate of spread. We know that the illness is going to sweep through our
communities. The hope is to slow it down – so we have enough hospital beds, supplies and medical staff to care
for the 20% when needed.
We know people of our community will become ill. The statistics also tell us that if 5 people in a community died of
influenza this year, approximately 10 times that, or 50 people, will die of Covid 19 in a community.
Slowing the spread is the responsibility of all of us. It means isolating ourselves to homes, to our communities.
The less you venture out, the less you bring the virus into your home and into your community, and the less likely
you are to spread the virus to your family, friends and neighbors.
It is time to take care of ourselves and each other by staying home. We must in order to get through this.
It will be a trying time, but we can do it! We can do it together!
If you have any questions, please contact your health care provider.
###
COVID-19: Keep Others Safe. Please Stay Home.
By Dr. Michele Dikkers, Physician at Cornerstone Family Practice and GMHC,
Chair of Clayton County Board of Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE