North Iowa Reporter

Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is hoping for the best and planning for the worst in the wake of the coronavirus.

As a result, they are in early conversations with MercyOne North Iowa and North Iowa Area Community College to convert unoccupied dorm space into a medical staging area if needed. 

This is only one component of planning taking place as the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health prepares for a surge of cases. 

"We’re involved in discussions for what we need to do and how we need to plan," Brian Hanft, Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health director, told the Globe Gazette. "We’re looking at developing our plan so that when the  time comes the people that are involved can help initiate as efficiently  as possible." 

NIACC President Steve Schulz said there are 400 beds available since students are out of the dorms. He, like Hanft, stressed that they are in the early stages of planning – nothing's definitive and every option is being considered. He said this is an important time for the community college. The college has valuable and tangible connections with members of the community and Schulz feels a responsibility to help in whatever way it can. 

"This an unprecedented time and we have to look at all community resources. Anything we can do, we’re going to do," Schulz said.

Hanft insists the best way for people to help the community is to stay home. Don't go out unless it is for an essential service. 

"We’re at a critical time. The likelihood of amplification of cases is probably going to happen. We’re really just asking people to heed our request," Hanft said.

The Centers for Disease Control offers other tips to help prevent the spread of the virus. Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with others who are ill. Wash hands with soap and water and used alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching the face. Cover your cough or sneeze. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched areas.