Visitor restrictions placed on Polk County hospitals due to coronavirus concerns

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From KCCI:  Visitor restrictions placed on Polk County hospitals due to coronavirus concerns

The Polk County Health Department is placing visitor restrictions on Des Moines-area hospitals due to coronavirus concerns.

“To protect our patients, families and health care workers during the global outbreak of COVID-19, the following visitor restrictions are being implemented,” county officials said.

“All caregivers are required to wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting patient’s room,” county officials said.

The visitor restrictions are temporary and subject to change as necessary.

IOWA UPDATE

Iowa health officials announced Tuesday evening that 13 people from Iowa have tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve were among a group of 21 Iowans who were on a recent Egyptian cruise, and all are recovering at home in isolation. The other 14 also were also quarantined at their homes, and health officials said Tuesday they had tested negative for the illness.

State health investigators have determined the Egyptian cruise passengers have had limited interaction in their communities since returning home and haven’t attended any large public events, meaning their potential risk to others is considered low.

The 13th Iowa patient is from Pottawattamie County, in the west of the state. That person recently came in contact with a sick person while visiting California and is recovering at home in isolation.

Tonight, KCCI will host a phone bank staffed with health experts ready to take your calls.

Our phone lines will open starting at 5 p.m. and will be staffed through 7 p.m.

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