Local healthcare providers urge residents to stay home

To all of our patients:

We are your doctors, your physician assistants and nurse practitioners, your healthcare providers. We are here for you in times of health and times of crisis. We are local medical professionals who provide care to patients in Bremer and But-ler Counties and support this important message.

You are safer at home.

We strongly believe that the only way to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pan-demic in our community is if each citizen accepts responsibil-ity for the health of their neighbor. This is the most seri-ous threat to the health of our community we will hopefully see in our lifetime. This virus does not discriminate. It is an error to think only the elderly are at risk. Currently, there are young patients who are critical-ly ill elsewhere in Iowa. If we allow the virus to spread un-checked, we will quickly over-whelm our medical facilities, and we will not be able to pro-vide you with the care you deserve.

The term “shelter in place” can be divisive, and politically complicated. But our message is simple.

You are safer at home.

We urge you to follow these practical measures:

Plan ahead to minimize shopping trips, in order to avoid exposure to other peo-ple. Do not treat shopping as a social outing. Order online for delivery if you able. Arrange for pick-up so you do not have to go into the store when available.

Do not invite friends into enclosed areas to socialize.

Maintain frequent contact with loved ones by phone, internet, or video, but not in person. They need you, and you need them.

Enjoy our beautiful outdoor surroundings in the area, but do so without groups and maintain distance from others.

Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands for 20 sec-onds after contact with public surfaces. Cover your cough. Do not leave the house if you are ill. If you are sick, please call your hospital or doctor before leaving the house so that ap-propriate precautions may be taken. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, sore throat, tired-ness, loss of sense of smell.

Do not travel outside of the area if possible.

Please go about your eve-ryday actions as if you your-self actually have COVID-19, and are trying not to spread it to your neighbor. Please show your respect to those front-line workers: nurses, EMS, law enforcement and others who are putting their life on the line during this crisis by staying home. Please know, you are safer at home.

Our community will return to prosperity. Your doctors and healthcare providers are here for you and are available by phone, in person or by telehealth, but we need your help. Together, we will rise above this crisis.

With care and respect, Your Healthcare Providers for Bremer and Butler Counties: Waverly Health Center, Unity Point, Mercy One.