** As of March 19, 2020 — If you call the 712-243-7479 hotline, your call will be directed to our nursing staff who can answer your questions. **

Atlantic, IA – Cass County Health System now has a hotline available for the public to address concerns about COVID-19 testing. People can call 712-243-7479 to listen to a recorded message about the current COVID-19 testing criteria.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to change, the hotline will be updated with relevant information for the public.

At this time, the only people who can be tested for COVID-19 are:

• Hospitalized patients with fever and respiratory failure and no alternate diagnosis
• Hospitalized older adults (>60 years of age) with fever or respiratory symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing) and chronic medical conditions
• Any persons (including healthcare providers) with household contact with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to becoming ill with fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing)
• Any persons with a history of international travel to a country with a Level 3 CDC travel health warning (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html) or have taken an international cruise in the 14 days prior to becoming ill with fever and respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing) and no alternate diagnosis

The need for COVID-19 testing will determined by your healthcare provider. If you are concerned about your symptoms and you meet these criteria, please call 712-243-2850.