Greene County Public Health is continuing working with the Centers for Disease Control, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Greene County Medical Center and several others to educate the public about COVID-19.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says while there’s been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the county, she urges everyone to take precautions to prevent the possible spread of the illness. She says tips from the CDC include washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if sick, clean and disinfect touched surfaces, and placing at least six feet of space between you and the other person. 

Wolf notes the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to that of influenza, including a fever and shortness of breath. She points out if you believe you have symptoms of the illness to call your provider, hospital, emergency room or clinic before you enter the facility. Wolf explains the increased risk if you don’t notify your provider.

“The staff may not have time to put on their personal protective equipment like their mask, and their gloves, and face shields. And then they have just been exposed potentially to a case of COVID(-19). People have to go accept the responsibility to be calling ahead and letting us know.”

Wolf adds, all of the restrictions and precautions that are in place are to prevent further spread of the virus. To hear more from Wolf about COVID-19, listen to today and tomorrow’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.