MASON CITY – Daily statement from Cerro Gordo county health department:
“Iowa now has 23 cases of COVID-19, announced 3/16/2020. No confirmed cases in any northern Iowa counties as of 3/17/2020 .CG Public Health is communicating daily with key organizations, such as MercyOne North Iowa, involved in preparedness and response to ensure staffing and resources are maintained. A lot of individuals are coming to the Emergency department (ED) with mild symptoms, wanting to be tested. If you’re having mild symptoms, please self-isolate and recover at home regardless if it’s for a cold, flu or COVID-19. Data shows 80% of cases are considered mild. Monitor your symptoms closely. If symptoms drastically worsen, call 641-428-7777 for screening prior to being seen by a medical professional. Coming into the ED strains the healthcare resources needed to treat the other 20% vulnerable population impacted by COVID-19. Going to the ED puts you and others at risk to spread and contract illness. Stay home when you don’t feel well. This is key to flattening the curve.”
At least Bill’s not talking
People worry. You get it, you don’t get it. If you’re that worried about it, go in your garage, shut the door, start the car, and read a book. Problem solved.
Luckily gas is cheap
Suffice to say there is a huge backlog of testing that needs to be completed to reflect the true numbers of infected cases. Weeks behind most likely. Illinois is going to balloon up. Iowa City, too.
Why don’t you do us a favor and move there?