At a press conference this week Linn County Public Health officials say that it's not a matter of if Linn County sees a case of coronavirus, its a matter of when. Linn County hospitals believe that they are prepared for whatever is headed their way.

People who walk into Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint-St Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids will now face new screenings upon entering. There are questions about recent illnesses and travel, and you'll also have your temperature taken. Hospital employees, including doctors and nurses, also must be screened. If they don't pass, they are not allowed inside the facility.

Both hospitals say that they are prepared to support critical care and have enough space to do so. Officials with Mercy Medical Center say they have 20 plus bed in their ICU, while St. Lukes has several more. There are also areas in both hospitals that could be converted into more ICU space.

This week, all nonelective surgeries were also canceled at the Cedar Rapids hospitals. Patients will be notified and the procedures will be rescheduled.

 

[via KCRG]

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