Atlantic, IA—Hours at the Atlantic Medical Center have changed slightly during the COVID-19 pandemic response. “We have adjusted our provider locations and clinic hours to best meet the needs of our patients while also utilizing our staff effectively,” explained Tammy Bireline, Chief Clinic Officer at Cass County Health System. Those changes have included dedicating Atlantic Medical Center Suite C, which has a private entrance, for COVID-19 screening and care.

Atlantic Medical Center is open Monday – Thursday, 7 am – 7 pm; Friday 8 am – 5 pm; and Saturdays 8 am – noon. Patients who are seeking care for COVID-19 symptoms or questions should call 712-243-2850or 712-243-3250 for directions on what to do. As always, care is available in the CCHS Emergency Department, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The number of positive COVID-19 test results in Iowa continues to climb and currently stands at 1,388. As of today, there have been no confirmed cases reported in Cass County.

“We are urging residents not to be complacent about following public health recommendations, just because a confirmed case has not been reported here yet,” said Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen. “It’s important to remember there is widespread community transmission across the state. This means the virus is spreading from person-to-person, and often without known contact with a positive case.”

A resident’s chance of exposure to the virus is high, regardless of there being no confirmed case in Cass County.  This is why all residents are advised to stay home as much as possible, and when they must leave for essential errands like groceries or to get medication, they maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid groups of people. This is because the risk of exposure to the virus is NOT limited to exposure to a known case; you could just as easily be exposed to an undiagnosed individual at the grocery store.

You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

Easter and spring holidays are a traditional time of family gatherings, celebrations and observances. Like many other events and activities, Cass County Public Health advises residents that these observances should be different this year.

“We know many families gather together over Easter and Passover,” said Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen. “But, like school, shopping and most other activities, we’re asking residents to modify their plans in light of COVID-19.”

Gatherings of family and friends, whether in Cass County or by travel to other states, is discouraged. When people come together, the chances of spreading the COVID-19 virus grow. Although people with symptoms of the virus (coughing, fever and shortness of breath) obviously should not be around other people; even those who are seemingly well should do the same. “We are learning that some people with coronavirus don’t have any symptoms, and that even those who later develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms. This is why even people who do not feel ill should stay home,” said Olsen.

Families and friends are encouraged to find alternate ways to observe holidays and to stay connected. Try Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or other electronic means of connecting. Phone calls and letters are especially welcome during this time of social distancing.

As of today, April 9, there are no cases of COVID-19 in Cass County. The Cass County Health Department continues to work closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and other state and local partners to respond to this ongoing pandemic.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

Atlantic, IA — Cass County Health System is implementing some additional measures to mitigate any possible spread of COVID-19 within their facilities.  Effective April 1, all patients and visitors will now be given a cloth face mask to wear while they are in the building.  “Cloth masks are effective for blocking the sneezes and coughs of a potentially infected person. These masks help to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19,” explained Amanda Bireline, Chief Nursing Officer.  In order to be effective, masks must be worn over both the mouth and nose, and need to remain in place while coughing or sneezing.  “The masks are effective because they stop potentially infectious droplets from a cough or sneeze from landing on people or surfaces.” Bireline noted.  Community members have donated over 340 masks to date.  “We so appreciate our community members who have been sewing masks for us.  We welcome as many as you can get to us!”

Atlantic, IA — Cass County Health System is repurposing two of its satellite clinics to provide well-care
exclusively to healthy children and expectant mothers. A well-care visit is defined as a visit for preventive
care or management of a chronic condition, without acute symptoms.

Starting Monday, March 30, the Griswold Medical Center and Anita Medical Center will become well clinics
staffed by Dr. Angela Weppler and Jessica Jackson, ARNP. Both providers have many years of experience
in prenatal/OB and pediatric care, as well as general medical care. Dr. Weppler and Jackson will see
obstetric patients as well as provide well-child checks by appointment only. Each provider will work two
days each at both locations. The Griswold and Anita Medical Centers will be open Monday, Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday from 8 to 4:30. We recognize that this may create inconvenience for patients
traveling between communities and we appreciate the public understanding that these steps are necessary
to help protect the health of our citizens.

Dr. Weppler and Jackson will also continue to care for healthy patients with chronic illnesses with those
appointments done via telehealth services. Those who need to be evaluated in person will be carefully
screened prior to coming into any clinic. Patients with acute illnesses will be directed to call Atlantic
Medical Center to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Weppler and Jackson will temporarily cease providing care at Atlantic Medical Center. This is part of
our effort to keep them away from any potential exposures to COVID-19, providing additional protection
for our pregnant and pediatric patients.
All of our other providers will only work from Atlantic Medical Center and Massena Medical Center.
Massena Medical Center will operate as usual until further notice. All patients with respiratory illnesses are
being cared for in an isolated area of Atlantic Medical Center by a limited number of providers dedicated
to that work space.
Although Rapid Care has temporarily been suspended, same-day care is readily available at the Atlantic
Medical Center from Monday through Saturday. At this time hours remain the same: 7 am – 7 pm Monday
through Thursday, 8 am – 5 pm Friday and 8 am – 12pm on Saturday. Calling ahead for all appointments is
encouraged. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms/fevers/cough should call 712-243-2850 before
coming to Atlantic Medical Center.

ATLANTIC – Cass County Health System is extending the deadline for all scholarship applications
until May 1, 2020. The scholarships below are available to area students through CCHS and its
affiliate organizations:
•   Cass County Health System offers a $1,000 scholarship to southwest Iowa students pursuing
a four-year degree in a health-related career.
•   Cass County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary provides grant-in-aid scholarships for students
pursuing a health-related career.
•   Cass County Health System Foundation is offering $10,000 in scholarships to students who
are enrolled and have been accepted into a nursing or medical doctor educational
program. The scholarships were established by a bequest from Louie and Elsie Hansen.

Applications are available on the Cass County Health System website, www.casshealth.org, and can
be turned in to the Public Relations Office by May 1. Due to schools being closed, unofficial
transcripts will be accepted at this time. For more information, contact Ann McCurdy, Public
Relations Coordinator, 712-243-7405.