The City of Emmetsburg is tracking the status and impact of the coronavirus statewide and locally and is monitoring recommendations from Palo Alto County Health System, Palo Alto County Department of Public Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Center for Disease Control in the event that COVID-19 affects this community. We will continue to work with county, state, and federal health officials to protect our residents as best as possible.
Palo Alto County Health System professionals are working diligently to protect staff and patients from the coronavirus strain and keep the community informed about the situation. Follow PACHS on Facebook for updates.
While COVID-19 is spread person to person, more than 80% of the patients who develop it will only become mildly ill. The concern is for those with underlying medical conditions and the elderly, who are more likely to need hospital-level, supportive care. There are things you can do to keep the risk of COVID-19, or any respiratory illness, to a minimum:
- Practice hand hygiene all the time. (It’s crucial.) Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is an effective alternative. Both should be done frequently.
- Avoid any hand to eye, hand to nose, or hand to mouth contact.
- Be considerate when you are sick. Stay home if you are feeling ill. You should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to work. Cover coughs and sneezes using the crook of your arm (inside elbow).
- Practice the 6-foot rule. If you must be in a public space and notice someone ill, keep that distance to lessen your risk.
- Get appropriate rest, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order to maintain a healthy immune system.
- If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, couth, tightness in the chest or shortness of breath, call your health care provider before going to the clinic or hospital and wear a mask.
The City is making every effort to follow guidelines to minimize chances of contracting COVID-19 and urge residents to do the same.
Have questions about COVID-19? Call the COVID-19 Hotline by dialing 2-1-1.
