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:

• Stay home as much as possible.
• If you must go out for essential errands like getting groceries or prescriptions, go alone if possible and maintain social distancing.
• Practice social distancing by staying 6-feet away from other individuals. Avoid groups of more than 10 people.
• Consider wearing a cloth face covering when running essential errands to protect others in case you are infected with COVID-19 and have no symptoms, or have not yet developed symptoms.

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 – 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.