Floyd County Medical Center again closes to visitors as COVID-19 cases increase

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The Floyd County Medical Center hospital and clinic are again closed to visitors because of increases in COVID-19 cases reported in the community and surrounding areas, the medical center announced last week.

“For the protection of our patients and colleagues, no visitors are allowed at this time in Floyd County Medical Center’s clinic, outpatient areas, emergency department or hospital,” said Rod Nordeng, medical center administrator, in a statement.

The medical center began limiting visitors to its facilities by non-patients on March 17 as recognition of the novel coronavirus threat spread. Within about a week it had cut off visitations completely with the same rules it has now implemented again.

The medical center remained closed to visitors until late April when Gov. Kim Reynolds began allowing elective surgical procedures and letting Iowa clinics and hospitals begin opening for routine care.

Under the newly reimposed no-visitors guidelines, some exceptions will again be made for special situations on a case-by-case basis, including pediatric patients, Birth Center patients and patients receiving end-of-life care as determined by medical professionals, the medical center announced.

In those situations where a visitor is approved, only the same one person is allowed for all visits to the patient.

That visitor must be age 18 or older; an immediate family member, power of attorney, guardian or patient representative; and the visitor must be healthy with no symptoms of illness including respiratory or fever, the medical center said.

“We understand that these restrictions will be difficult for patients and their loved ones. We are taking these necessary steps to protect our patients and staff,” Nordeng said.

“We continue to encourage you to use other methods to connect with your friends and loved ones,” he added, including such electronic means as telephone calls, FaceTime and other video chatting.