COVID-19
COVID-19 Testing
Important Message: If you want to be tested for COVID-19, but are NOT experiencing symptoms, please DO NOT go to a clinic, urgent care or emergency department for a COVID-19 test.
Instead, pick up a Test Iowa kit at your county public health department or visit your pharmacy for symptomatic or asymptomatic testing, as well as retesting for returning to work.
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Limited Entry Points & Health Screenings in Place
Mercy is requiring anyone entering a Mercy or MercyCare facility to self-screen for COVID. If you have a fever, have been exposed to COVID within the last 14 days, or have common symptoms of COVID, you may need to reschedule (depending on the service needed) or not enter as visitors.
See where to park and enter for the service you need. Current entrances available (click to enlarge the map):
Mercy has implemented visitor restrictions to limit the risk of exposure during this heightened season of respiratory illness.
Symptoms
The symptoms are very similar to the flu and include mild to severe respiratory illness with a fever, cough, shortness of breath and/or loss of taste and smell. The symptoms can present from two to 14 days after exposure.
Preventing COVID-19
Most importantly, get vaccinated!
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Twenty seconds is the recommended amount of time to fully cleanse your hands.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
How We’re Keeping Employees & Volunteers Safe
Keeping our healthcare workforce healthy and safe is a top priority to ensure we are prepared and able to serve the health needs of our community as this situation evolves. As a result, Mercy has several mechanisms currently in place to ensure the safety of all our patients, staff and volunteers, as well as minimize any potential exposure. In addition to the universal precautions listed above, this also includes:
- Using personal protective equipment when caring for potentially contagious patients.
- Increasing physical distance (when possible).
- Evaluating all large public events and limiting capacity.
- Restricting visitors to the hospital and Hallmar residential care.
- Implementing processes for patient flow to limit potential exposure.
Multilingual Resources
Linn County Public Health has also created multi-lingual resources (PDF).
The University of Iowa’s College of Public Health has put together a series of videos in various languages about COVID-19 for community members. Languages are English, French, Spanish and Swahili.
Additional Resources
The CDC is a great resource for the latest information about COVID-19. Linn County Public Health also provides information on COVID-19.
Video from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services. This video will provide you with answers to common questions about the expanded Medicare telehealth services benefit under the 1135 waiver authority and Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.
