The situation with COVID-19 in Iowa and across the country is changing rapidly, with constant updates. We at Mercy Iowa City are committed to the health and safety of our patients and colleagues, and are adapting our practices on a daily basis to ensure their welfare.
Mercy Iowa City is actively preparing to receive the COVID vaccine, however there won't be enough for everyone to get it right away. As more vaccine doses become available, we will work to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can receive it. We will provide additional information to our patients and the community as it becomes available. While awaiting FDA approval for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, Mercy Iowa City knows it will receive a limited number of vaccines to distribute in phases, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Vaccines may be more widely available by spring or summer 2021.
We know there are still many questions and concerns regarding these vaccines. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, view the MercyOne COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions or visit the CDC or FDA websites.
Plasma donations can save lives. Learn more! | Information in Spanish
Masks are required to be worn at every Mercy facility including the hospital, clinics and parking areas. This includes patients, visitors, contractors, vendors and colleagues. If you do not have a mask, they are available at the screening stations in the main lobby or Emergency Care Unit.
Visitors are currently limited to one healthy adult (aged 18 and over) per patient in the hospital at one time. For pediatrics patients we will limit visitors to two healthy adults (aged 18 and over) per patient in the hospital at one time. Only those who are here to visit a patient will be allowed at this time. All visitors will be screened to protect everyone’s health and safety. Patients who have been diagnosed with, or are suspected to have, COVID-19 will be unable to receive visitors. All visitors are required to wear masks while in public.
If a person is coming into Mercy for lab work, xrays, ECG's etc:
Donations of PPE supplies (personal protective equipment) are welcome, and we appreciate donations during this time when supplies are short to protect our caregivers. Supplies appreciated at this time include:
If you have PPE to donate to Mercy Iowa City, please call Mercy Materiel Management at 319-339-3647 Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Donations made on weekends can be scheduled by calling Mercy Security at 319-339-3694.
Cloth Masks Suggested cloth mask pattern
Thank you for your interest in sewing fabric masks for Mercy Iowa City. Because the health and safety of our patients and colleagues is paramount, please ensure that the supplies and masks are made from a tightly woven poly-cotton fabric and are from a smoke free environment, and that no one in the household has been exposed to COVID-19. Please enclose the completed masks in plastic bags or closed plastic boxes. All masks will be sterilized before use.
We would appreciate cloth gowns following the directions provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health here: Gown sewing guidance | Homemade gown use guidance
DIY plastic gown guidelines
If you have completed masks or gowns to donate to Mercy Iowa City, please call Mercy Materiel Management at 319-339-3647 Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. to schedule an appointment for drop off. Donations made on weekends can be scheduled by calling Mercy Security at 319-339-3694. Donations should be delivered to the loading dock located on Johnson Street between Market and Bloomington Streets.
Beginning June 1, operating at 25% capacity. Call 319-339-3659 for reservations. Learn more
Mercy Iowa City’s Gift Shop is currently open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (grill and hot food closes at 1:30 p.m.) Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Only those who are here to visit a patient will be allowed at this time.
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure*:
Always call your health care provider if you feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Please let your provider know if you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. Your health care professional will evaluate you to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. If you don't have a provider, call Mercy On Call, 319-358-2767.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 seek medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are concerning.
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person-to-person, similar to the flu – through the air from a cough or sneeze of someone who has the virus. It may be possible a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object which has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
To help prevent the spread of all viruses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community:
If you are concerned you have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your health care provider who will evaluate you to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. Please call your health care provider before going in.
At Mercy Iowa City, we are following guidelines provided by the CDC and Iowa Public Health Department to screen patients for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs as well as exposure to COVID-19.
If a person is found to have symptoms and travel history suggesting COVID-19, precautions will be used during care to help prevent transmission to others. Testing will occur in accordance a provider's assessment and criteria as described by Iowa Department of Public Health.
If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in.If you do not have a doctor, call Mercy On Call at 319-358-2767 to find a provider near you.
If you have general questions on COVID-19, please dial 2-1-1.
For the latest CDC guidelines, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.
IDPH Summary of Enhanced Public Health Measures
https://www.mercyone.org/health-and-wellness/health-answers/covid-19-what-you-need-to-know
https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/Prevention
10 things you can do to manage your health at home | Spanish version
What can I do if I have been exposed to COVID-19
COVID resources for vulnerable populations
COVID Recovery Iowa is here to help
Stress Relief Resources from Mercy Iowa City and Rural Health & Safety of Eastern Iowa