Mercy Iowa City further limits visitors

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Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Mercy Iowa City further limits visitors

For the health and safety of it patients and caregivers, Mercy Iowa City is further limiting visitors effective immediately to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses including influenza and COVID-19. Visitors will be limited to one healthy adult (aged 18 and older) per patient in the hospital at any one time. Two healthy adults will be permitted in the hospital at a time for pediatrics patients.

Mercy Iowa City has also closed its 15-room Mercy Guest Lodging accommodations for families of patients until further notice.

Mercy recommends that those with flu-like symptoms call Mercy On Call (319-358-2767), their physician office or Urgent Care to inform them of their symptoms and any recent travel before seeking care.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the best ways to prevent infection and spread of diseases like influenza and COVID-19 include:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home when you are sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw it in the trash, or cough into your elbow
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects (including your phone) and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol