Polk County Health Care Systems Are Seeing High Community Transmission of COVID-19

Polk County Medical Coordination Center Media Release

Broadlawns Medical Center ● MercyOne

 Polk County Health Department ● Primary Health Care 

UnityPoint Health – Des Moines ● VA Central Iowa Health Care System

Polk County Health Care Systems Are Seeing High Community Transmission of COVID-19

Take precautions, wear a mask when visiting healthcare locations and expect delays

(Des Moines, IA) – Polk County clinics, hospitals, urgent cares, and emergency departments are seeing high community transmission of COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 Community Transmission numbers are used to determine what mitigation strategies healthcare systems should take following CDC infection prevention guidelines.

In addition to high COVID-19 community transmission, Polk County health facilities are being greatly impacted by increased respiratory illnesses, staffing shortages, high demand for hospital beds, and caring for very sick individuals.

Our hospitals and clinics strive to provide the best care for our patients and community. As a result, metro healthcare systems will move to mandatory masking for all staff (vaccinated or unvaccinated) who encounter patients.

How you can help:

• Wear a mask if you are visiting a healthcare location. There is an increased amount of sick patients visiting our clinics. The best way to protect yourself and our healthcare workers is by wearing a mask.
• Wear a mask in public places if you are experiencing any cold symptoms, and consider masking if you are going to be around someone immunocompromised.
• Show kindness and patience when you experience delays. Understand that our caregivers are doing their best.

We want to thank our community for their patience and understanding as we are working to keep Polk County healthy and safe. 

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