Dr. John Evans with the McFarland Clinic in Carroll says they have not had any COVID-19 patients, so it has given them time to prepare, test and track the new data coming out on a daily basis. Even though the state has opened drive-up testing through TestIowa, residents in the service area are still able to get tested locally. Evans says he recommends anyone who thinks they may be infected call first.
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As we went through the weekend with some of the highest reported numbers of positive cases since the outbreak, Evans says he believes it is a combination of testing and spread that are responsible for those numbers.
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Evans says things are very quiet at the clinic right now as most visits are being done through telehealth. Those who must be seen in person still are, and he says they can’t stress enough how important it is for those with ongoing health conditions to maintain their regular care.
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As a nation, Evans says we did not have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) or the ability to quickly ramp up testing. This is a wake-up call and will make us rethink the supply chain while amassing a greater stockpile.
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The tough question to answer, he says, is the one about how long we will need to alter our activities to prevent or forestall the spread.
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Evans says it is a bit naïve to think that it will be completely gone over the summer and won’t recur in the fall. He says there is some question that herd immunity will work and the chances of another bump is possible. He adds that whether or not someone is immune once they have had COVID-19 is not clear. Some are showing immunity afterward, but in other countries there have been instances of people getting it a second time. He says the immunity process may mean that someone gets it again, but the severity is diminished. Those with questions, who believe they need to be tested or who need to schedule care for chronic or new health issues can do so through the contact points included below. McFarland has a designated upper respiratory clinic area that helps keep potential COVID-19 patients separated from others. A link to the full interview with Dr. Evans can be found here as well.
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McFarland Clinic:
Phone: 712-792-1500
Link to full interview with Dr. John Evans: https://www.1380kcim.com/episode/kcim-interview-dr-john-evans-of-mcfarland-clinic/