Spencer Hospital shares new visitor, masking guidelines

In accordance with new recommendations from the CDC, Spencer Hospital has updated its visitor policy and mask protocols effective immediately.

At this time, the requirement to wear masks within Spencer Hospital and its affiliated clinics is based on the CDC's Community Transmission Levels for Clay County and the hospital's census of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 care.

When community transmission levels for Clay County are reported as low, moderate or substantial, patients and visitors can choose whether or not to mask based on their personal preference, unless they are required to mask due to any of the following conditions:

• The patient or visitor is experiencing respiratory or cold-like symptoms

• The patient or visitor has tested positive for COVID within the last 10 days

• Or, the person has had a known COVID exposure within the last 10 days

If the CDC reports that community transmission rates are "high" in Clay County or the hospital's census of COVID patients is high, all patients and visitors must mask upon entering the hospital or one of the affiliated clinics.

Currently, the CDC reports the community transmission level in Clay County is low. Most patients and visitors may choose to wear a mask or not based on their personal preference; however, masking is required if the person is experiencing respiratory or cold symptoms, has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days, or had a known exposure to COVID within the past 10 days. Disposable masks are available at each entrance. The CDC reports are updated weekly. Each Friday Spencer Hospital will update its masking guidelines based on the CDC's reported levels for Clay County.

Masking guidelines for hospital and clinic staff members are similar to the requirements for the public, yet have some additional criteria. When rates are low, moderate or substantial, hospital and clinics staff members can choose to wear masks based on personal preference unless they meet any of the following criteria, and if so, they must wear masks:

• Are experiencing respiratory or cold-like symptoms

• Have been diagnosed with or have a known exposure to COVID-19 within the last 10 days

• Are caring for moderately or severely immunocompromised patients

• Work in an area of the facility that is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak

• Or, based on standard precautions and infection control policies

When transmission levels are high in Clay County, or when the number of patients with COVID-19 diagnosis are being treated at Spencer Hospital, all employees must mask when in the presence of employees and visitors and in patient care and public areas of the hospital.

Previously, the number of visitors for patients at Spencer Hospital has been limited in order to decrease potential viral exposures. Visitor guidelines have returned to pre-COVID breakout levels. Please be aware that some areas of the hospital limit visitors for optimal patient care, or have posted "quiet hours" for their patients. For unit-specific visitor guidelines, please visit the hospital website at http://www.spencerhospital.org.

Medicare open enrollment period

Every year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, Iowans on Medicare can review and make changes to their drug plan or Medicare Advantage. The Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can change their coverage, premiums, co-payments and provider networks every year. It is important that Iowans on Medicare use this time to review changes to their current plan and compare with plans available to them in 2023.

Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMP) are here to help you. Iowans need to take advantage of the annual open enrollment period and local counselors are ready to help. O'Brien County residents can contact their SHIIP-SMP office at (712) 957-5579.

SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, and SMP, the Senior Medicare Patrol Program, are free, confidential and unbiased services offered by the State of Iowa. SHIIP-SMP counselors are trained by the state and do not sell or promote any insurance companies, policies or agents.

SHIIP-SMP services are made available in O'Brien County at MercyOne Primghar Family Practice Clinic. For more information or questions call (712) 957-5579 or visit http://www.shiip.iowa.gov.

Absentee voting underway in Iowa

Iowans started casting ballots for the 2022 general election on Wednesday, Oct. 19, which was the start of the absentee voting period. It marks the first day Iowans can vote in person at their county election office and the first day auditors can mail absentee ballots to voters who requested them.

The deadline to request one to be mailed is Monday, Oct. 24.