Sheldon, Iowa — It’s been just over a year since the first case of coronavirus was diagnosed in the United States. Since then the virus has become a pandemic, claiming more than 150 lives here in our four-county area of Lyon, Osceola, O’Brien and Sioux.
Sanford Sheldon physician, Dr. Ryan Becker, says the situation is improving.
(As above) “We’re steadily improving. The nice thing about where we are now compared to a year ago, or even six months ago, for that matter is that we have so many more treatment modalities when it comes to coronavirus and COVID-19 itself. Not only from a therapeutic standpoint, but now with the vaccines coming out, too, so we’ve definitely improved.”
Dr. Becker says the number of COVID patients hospitalized in the Sanford system is way down.
(As above) “We get bi-weekly updates from Sanford out of Sioux Falls and just a few days ago, the report was that they only had 21 COVID patients in the hospital at Sanford Main (Sioux Falls) and then about 12 in the outlying hospitals. So we’ve definitely improved, because even back in November, if I can recall, we were up to about 130 to 140 at Sanford Main and we had nearly 100 across the rest of the enterprise, so we’ve definitely improved, that’s for sure.”
He says that there are two different COVID vaccines, and explains how each are being used in Iowa at this point in time.
(As above) “Currently, right now, when it comes to the general population I guess you’d say, when it comes to the vaccine, we’re currently getting the Moderna vaccine, which is a two-dose series separated by 28-days. That’s what’s going out now in Phase 1-A. Some people have wondered, ‘why is there a Pfizer vaccine as well, in Iowa?’ Those are mainly going to your long-term care facilities.”
Dr. Becker says he expects changes once long-term care vaccinations are complete.
(As above) “At some point in time, when the long-term care facilities are fully immunized to the extent that patients request, then I foresee that the State of Iowa will also be administering Pfizer (vaccine) to the general population. But currently, right now, it’s just Moderna.”
Becker says we can see the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, but we still need to remain vigilant.
(As above) “I’d just encourage people out there to remain diligent. We’re almost there, so keep chugging along. Respect the disease…respect the virus…and those that get it, but yet we’ve still got to live life, too. So respect it and do what we can in terms of mitigating that risk and keep the numbers low. Because, hopefully, come springtime and summertime this is all going to blow behind us and we can get back to what we call normal.”
In the meantime, Dr. Becker reminds you to continue with frequent handwashing, practice social distancing and wear a mask.
