MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa jail administrator is on temporary leave after making anti-Muslim and anti-gay remarks. Muscatine County Sheriff C.J. Ryan confirmed Friday that administrator Dean Naylor was placed on leave pending an internal investigation. The Des Moines Register reports Naylor posted online remarks that called Muslims “pawns to the devil” and described “the gay lifestyle” as an abomination.

Officials in Johnson County, which houses overflow inmates in Muscatine County, called for Naylor’s removal. A union representing employees at the Muscatine County jail and national advocacy group for Muslims also sought Naylor’s removal.

(Radio Iowa) — Some people are misinterpreting comments made by President Trump during a White House news conference on Thursday as a potential cure or prevention for COVID-19, but that’s not the case. Tammy Noble, a registered nurse and spokeswoman for the Iowa Poison Control Center, says under no circumstances should anyone inject bleach or a disinfectant.

“That could actually be very harmful by injecting that into your bloodstream,” Noble says. “We don’t even recommend using disinfectants or bleach products on human skin because they can be very dangerous, cause burns to the skin and lots of irritation.” Noble says the Sioux City-based hotline has taken -no- calls about this topic, but since the pandemic began, there has been an increase in calls about a variety of problems related to hand sanitizers, bleach and disinfectants.

Noble says, “Callers are usually reporting exposures because they accidentally swallow it or sometimes the adults, while they’re cleaning, are inhaling the fumes from it, or they’re ending up with eye or skin exposures.” If you’ll be using any of those types of chemicals, Noble says to read and follow the directions carefully and keep the area well ventilated by opening doors and windows.

“If you do breathe in too much of the fumes, oftentimes people will feel irritation in their nose, their throat, their lungs,” Noble says. “Sometimes, people can have difficulty breathing or tightness in their chest.” Never mix bleach with ammonia or other chemicals or products, including vinegar, as it can create a toxic gas. Noble also reminds Iowans to store chemicals up and away, out of reach of children. The Iowa Poison Control Center is open around the clock, every day at 1-800-222-1222.

The Iowa DNR is extending closures of campgrounds and other park facilities through May 14, 2020 to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. State parks and forests remain open for day-use opportunities, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups.

Facilities that will remain closed through May 14 include:

• Campgrounds, including youth and group camps
• Bathrooms, including pit latrines and port-a-potties
• Playgrounds
• Cabins, shelters and lodges
• Visitor centers and museums

All programs and events at state parks are cancelled or postponed through at least May 14, 2020. Watch for updates at iowadnr.gov

Please be aware that as conditions change, so may policies on park visitation and overnight stays.

The DNR will work with guests to cancel reservations affected by this extension. If you have reservations for the month of May after the closure dates and feel cancelling your stay is the safest choice, we will waive the cancellation fee for visits (cabins, campsites, lodges, shelters) with arrival dates through May 31, 2020. A transaction fee of $4.00 ($6.00 for reservations originally made by phone) will still apply. To cancel your May reservation, call (877) 427-2757.

Remember to stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and bring supplies from home including disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and other hygiene products.

Atlantic, IA — During the current COVID-19 pandemic, many people are wondering about their healthcare needs and making appointments at Cass County Health System.

Can I see a healthcare provider in person?

Yes. Appointments are available across CCHS, and at Atlantic Medical Center, RHC, we also offer walk-in care all day Monday through Friday and on Saturday mornings. At this time, most of our visiting specialists are still coming to the CCHS Specialty Clinic.

Can I see my provider through telehealth?

All providers at Atlantic Medical Center, RHC or its satellite locations, can see patients via telehealth. While telehealth isn’t the right choice for all appointments, it is a great option for patients who are due for follow-up care or some patients with chronic issues. Patients will need to use a smart phone, tablet, or computer that has a camera, microphone, and speakers.

What about prenatal appointments and well-child visits?

For prenatal appointments and well child visits, the Anita and Griswold Medical Centers are designated well-care clinics staffed by Dr. Angela Weppler and Jessica Jackson, ARNP. All people coming to the well-care clinics are screened over the phone and at the door prior to coming into the clinics. Kindergarten physicals and routine childhood immunizations can be done here, too.

Are you doing surgeries and surgery clinic appointments?
Surgery clinic appointments for general surgery and orthopedics are available as well. Elective surgeries are now being scheduled in a limited, safe capacity for lower-risk patients with priority going to those with the most urgent needs.

What about Rehabilitation Services?

Appointments are available for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

I’m a high-risk patient. Should I come in for an appointment?

For people who are at high risk of severe complications from COVID-19, it’s always best to talk to your provider’s office about your appointment options, and how to safely get the care you need. All patients with respiratory illnesses are being cared for in a separate section of Atlantic Medical Center, or in the Emergency Department, so that we can keep the risk of exposure to our staff and patients to a minimum.

Shouldn’t we all just wait to go to the doctor until this is all over?

Unfortunately, no one can predict exactly when the COVID-19 pandemic will be over, and there are many health issues that should not be ignored or treatments delayed. Staying healthy, staying active, and managing your chronic diseases are all a big part of helping the healthcare system to flatten the curve. We do not want patients to ignore important health problems that could develop into more serious issues. We encourage you to talk with your provider about how to safely get the care you need now.