Sioux County health officials are urging schools and universities to be consistent and stringent in enforcing mask wearing policies and social distancing. The coronavirus positivity rate is higher in Sioux County than anywhere else in the state. | Pixabay
Sioux County health officials are urging schools and universities to be consistent and stringent in enforcing mask wearing policies and social distancing. The coronavirus positivity rate is higher in Sioux County than anywhere else in the state. | Pixabay
Sioux County hospitals are encouraging schools to take more precautions in preventing the spread of COVID-19 as the county's positivity rate climbs to 31.7%.
This infection rate is higher than any other county in the state. Three Sioux County residents have died.
Hospital leaders say the current capacity in county and regional hospitals call for a prudent response, according to KTIV. Instead of being transferred to larger facilities, some acute patients are being treated locally. Hospitals are also experiencing staffing shortages because of quarantine requirements.
Confident that COVID-19 patients will be able to receive adequate care, hospital administrators are asking schools and universities to help slow the spread by mandating face coverings, recommending physical distancing in all indoor facilities, promoting hand hygiene and regularly disinfecting surfaces.
MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City said their patient numbers have increased but they are not close to capacity.
"The number of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 has risen in addition to the number of cases in our community/region," MercyOne said in a statement, according to KTIV. "However, we are not at capacity and remain prepared to care for all those in need, including the ability to flex to 150% of our hospital capacity if needed."
Alerts Sign-up