Iowa news
Amid high demand, experts say at-home COVID-19 testing kits not your best option
Amid a high demand for COVID-19 tests in Iowa, pharmacists in the Des Moines metro area also are seeing high demand for at-home testing kits, but experts caution they may be more likely to lead to false negatives. Two metro-area pharmacists who carry or have carried the kits told KCCI that a lot of people are seeking out the kits, despite a supply shortage. (KCCI)
COVID-19 surge drains morale at packed Des Moines hospital
For Iowa Methodist Medical Center staff members, the latest COVID-19 surge is even more exhausting than the original outbreak. They understand the coronavirus better now than they did in spring 2020. They have much better treatment options these days and plenty of protective equipment. But they lack the energy of the pandemic’s early months when doctors, nurses and other hospital workers were buoyed by adrenaline and public acclaim. (Des Moines Register)
Expert warns of increase in child respiratory infections, COVID-19 hospitalizations
Iowa’s largest hospital is reporting a significant uptick in children with respiratory viruses as more of the state’s children return to school. Melanie Wellington, an associate hospital epidemiologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said the hospital is seeing many kids with respiratory viruses are usually prevalent in winter months. (Tri States Public Radio)
National news
Biden asks OSHA to order vaccine mandates at large employers
New federal safety regulations that call for businesses with more than 100 workers to require vaccinations against the coronavirus will affirm mandates already in place at many companies and give cover to employers that had yet to decide. The proposed rules, which President Biden announced Thursday, will require workers to be inoculated or face weekly testing and will mandate that the businesses offer employees paid time off to get vaccinated. (New York Times)
Idaho patients in hospital halls amid COVID-19 rationed care
Amid the Idaho coronavirus surge that prompted officials to authorize hospitals to ration health care, Army soldiers sent to one hospital have traded their fatigues for personal protective equipment to help treat a flood of infected patients. Some emergency room patients receive care in a converted lobby and others get it in hallways. Urgent surgeries have been put on hold and some patients in critical condition are facing long waits for intensive care beds. (US News)
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital has used EMS diversions to deal with increased COVID-19 caseload
Before the pandemic, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital operated with ICUs at 95% capacity and that started to drop during the pandemic as people stayed home. But t’s now back at pre-pandemic levels and that poses a concern. Therefore, the hospital wants people to only use the emergency department for urgent situations. (WSLS)