With the recent news of the first casualties of the coronavirus in the U.S., health officials are continuing to educate the public.

The threat low continues to remain low here in Iowa, and Greene County Medical Center and Greene County Public Health are aware of the illness, known as COVID-19. The public can prevent the spread of all viruses by simply following these tips, which include covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm/elbow area, washing your hands frequently with soap and water and staying home when you are sick.

Symptoms of the coronavirus for people who have been exposed are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you are exposed to the coronavirus, symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says they have been trained for this serious type of illness.

“Your public health agencies regardless of where we’re at in the United States, we have all practiced this type of care and exercising. We’re very familiar with how to prevent infections, wear protective ware, making sure that we’re monitoring people. It’s something we’ve done for a long time.”  

If you believe you may have been exposed, contact your local provider, county public health office or the Iowa Department of Public Health.