Carroll County is seeing a surge in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, sitting at 57 positives as of Wednesday morning. Public Health Nurse, Sara Schulte, says it can likely be attributed to three different factors—that we have just hit the predicted peak, that testing has increased with the opening of the Test Iowa site at St. Anthony Regional Hospital and that the state is opening more and more businesses and activities, creating more opportunities for group gatherings and exposure. Schulte says her office has been busy dealing with the new positive patients and the people with whom they have had contact.
Schulte explains what criteria is used to identify someone as a confirmed contact.
Carroll Broadcasting received anonymous reports that some area residents who had been contacted by Carroll County Public Health and asked to isolate were being told by their employer this was not a possibility. Schulte says in the case of a critical infrastructure worker, as long as they are asymptomatic and checked routinely at their place of employment, this would be allowed. However, they are asking all others to adhere to the recommended 14-day quarantine when it is requested by her department.
Situations such as this can cause an exponential spread of COVID-19.
This can also create a situation where healthcare workers are overwhelmed with positive cases. Schulte says any employers who are notified an employee is being asked to quarantine can call their office at the number included below for more information. Schulte is aware COVID fatigue is a real thing and people want to get out and about, but also reminds residents that COVID is still here and mitigation methods are still very important.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Carroll County Public Health. Those wishing to get tested need to first log on to testiowa.com and complete an assessment. They will then be notified of their next steps. Details on the state and county COVID-19 numbers can be found at coronavirus.iowa.gov.
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Carroll County Public Health: 712-794-5279
