Thompson

As new cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, some governments are taking steps to protect citizens once again.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she does not want another shutdown and urged residents to take personal responsibility in a video on July 13.

“Not because it’s mandated, but because it’s the right thing to do,” Reynolds said. “Whether it’s wearing a mask, social distancing, practicing good hygiene or staying home when we’re sick. These simple steps continue to be the best defense against the virus.”

Marshall County Public Health Nurse Pat Thompson said she could not tell if there has been an increase in the rate of new cases in the county in the past few weeks.

“One day there might be none and then the next there might be three,” she said. “It fluctuates so much, I am not willing to say it is rising. I can’t really tell.”

After five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson said the recommended steps people can take have not changed. She urged people to continue wearing masks, continue practice social distancing, wash hands frequently and cover coughs.

“And stay home when you are sick. I am serious,” Thompson said. “That is where Public Health stands. If you have been asked to self-isolate, please do. You are taking care of everybody else when you do that.”

She does not know when a COVID-19 vaccine will be available, but estimated it will be available sometime in 2021. When one is created, Thompson said, “Please, get vaccinated.”

She also does not know how the vaccines will be distributed, but said she expects health care workers to receive them first, followed by people who are most vulnerable – the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

“Public Health will be very involved with the vaccine to make sure people are taken care of,” Thompson said. “There will be a plan.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.