Dr. Michael McLoughlin of Iowa Specialty Hospital and new Board of Health Medical Director; Sandy McGrath of Wright County Public Health and local epidemiologist; and Mickey Cooper owner of Eagle Pharmacy and Board of Health Chair, have been working diligently to keep Wright County residents safe since the outbreak of COVID-19 back in March. They have sent message-after-message about the importance of social distancing by six-feet, wearing face masks, washing hands, not touching your face…but now, as cases seem to continue to climb in Wright County and across the nation, they are getting to the heart of the matter and speaking frankly about how each one of us can play a part in stopping this seemingly unstoppable virus.
According to Dr. McLoughlin, the number of COVID-19 cases reported daily across the country continues to increase. On Friday, July 17, a new record was set with over 75,000 new cases being reported. Iowa’s new case rate is increasing as well.
“We can’t taste it, smell it or see it. Just THAT creates anxiety and uncertainty,” McGrath said about the COVID-19 virus. “I know we are all tired of worrying about it and the changes that are needed to help ourselves and others stay safe. But here is what we know. COVID is real. COVID causes illness, true more severe in some than others, however, we don’t know who will have a more severe case than others, only that preexisting conditions and age are a higher risk.”
“Even though most people will recover, this virus is dangerous,” said Dr. McLoughlin. “That’s why I have a plea…please wear a face covering and be very thoughtful about the close contacts you have with others. I don’t like it any more than anyone else, but it works and is the only real chance we have of preventing further spread that is going to disrupt our economy, our schools, and many people’s lives without a vaccine (or the unnecessary suffering that it takes to reach herd immunity the natural way).”
McGrath added, individuals should not be embarrassed if they do test positive. What’s important is that they were tested, they know they are positive, and they follow the self-quarantine guidelines to help prevent others from getting sick.
“Remember, we can not see it, taste it or smell it. It’s not your fault.”
As a general rule of practice, everyone is encouraged to avoid large group gatherings.
“Remember, no one is intending to share COVID. I miss my family terribly – those grandkid hugs are the best,” commented McGrath.
Instead, she says let’s focus on what we can do.
– We can wear a mask while shopping.
“Yes, I miss smiles too but I am getting good at seeing smiling eyes.”
– We can spend time with our family and friends wisely, outdoors, distancing. Small groups.
– We can wear face masks. COVID is spread by droplet, which means distance between people and wearing face coverings.
Dr. McLoughlin added, “If you don’t think the virus is dangerous enough to you, or you are offended about your personal liberty being affected in being asked to wear a mask, please just think about others. Again, everyone who doesn’t get infected can’t spread it to the next person. So when we take precautions, we may be protecting someone else’s grandparent down the road. Or we may be helping make it possible for someone’s business to stay open and not go bankrupt. Or we might be helping it be safe for our teachers to be in school this fall. Or helping there be a chance to have a football season. This isn’t about any one of us. It’s not a political issue or a control issue, it’s a love-your- neighbor issue. And hopefully we can all agree on that and know that a little inconvenience now is worth it even when the risk seems far off.”
According to McLoughlin, as of last week IN Wright County we had over 400 known positive cases of COVID. Just a little over one of every 25 infected people in this county have been hospitalized because of it. Approximately one out of 70 has been admitted to an intensive care unit. Only 6% of the cases in the county have occurred in people over the age of 61, who are the highest risk group for severe illness. Of the six individuals who have been admitted to the intensive care unit, three have been under the age of 40. One Wright County resident has died.
“Please don’t be fooled by seeing the number of infections rising but not the same large increase in hospitalizations and deaths. Many people who are going to need hospitalization don’t require this until they are in the second week of illness. The deaths tend to increase several weeks after the infections rise. Our treatment has improved some, but I take care of COVID-19 patients in the hospital and can tell you it hasn’t improved enough yet that we should lower our concern substantially,” said Dr. McLoughlin.
“Stay home if you are sick or exposed. That is nothing to be ashamed of. It just means you are willing to help protect others. Help with contact tracing – no one is in trouble. It is a way to slow the spread. Names are not shared. I get tested regularly due to the testing I do. I always pray I am still negative, not so much for myself, but that I don’t affect someone else,” said McGrath.
McLoughlin has been a big advocate for getting Wright County kids back to schools this fall. But he points out it is extremely dependent on how widespread the virus is in the community at the time.
“I’m very, very worried that if we don’t make changes now that the risk of putting students and teachers back in the classroom will be high enough that it won’t be safe to do so even with precautions. Let’s act now so it is an easy decision,” he pleaded.
We all know there are a lot of different information sources and a lot of different beliefs when it comes to COVID. But our local health officials remind us, THIS IS NOT A HOAX.
“There are so many things going on right now and I believe the public just doesn’t understand how serious this is… we need to do our part – wear a mask, stop talking about how this is ‘fake news.’ COVID is not fake,” said Cooper.
“Please watch trusted sites for information. Testing is not perfect, but what is? This is all we have to fight the virus right now. I’m not willing, if I would be positive, to decide that was false and potentially spread the virus. Please do NOT be ashamed if you are positive. I’m willing to bet you did not ask for it. Please do not judge those that test positive. Again, I’m willing to bet they did not ask for it. Yes we all get colds and flu or have allergies. However, with flu there is vaccine, a choice to get vaccinated, a good choice. If we are exposed our body can fight and the spread is decreased with less chance of hospitalization and death,” said McGrath.
If you are concerned you may have COVID, you are encouraged to call your provider (Dr.) or Iowa Specialty triage – they test in Belmond, or Public Health for testing times. For those who may not have symptoms or have not been exposed, please call Test Iowa. “Regardless of who you doctor with, we as a whole (medical community) are working for all citizens of Wright County,” said McGrath.
“Dr. Charles Brindle (the outgoing Board of Health Medical Director) has also been a great sounding board during COVID,” added Cooper. “He has been the guy alerting us to the things we need to see, especially in our nursing homes. I think he is a good advocate for health care workers and community members alike, and I appreciate that. Dr. Smith has also been very much a good advocate on our side of the county. We’ve been blessed all over the place.”
Now all they need is the help of everyone in doing what we can to fight COVID.
“Let’s NOT resist the measures we have now – face covering, social distancing, hand washing. We can do this together. We can fight this together. COVID is our enemy, not each other. Stay safe and let’s do this together,” concluded McGrath.
