(KNZA)--Area health agencies are working together, and taking precautions, in advance of potential coronavirus affects on the local area.

According to a release, the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, the Doniphan County Health Department, the Hiawatha Community Hospital and Family Practice Clinics and EMS are partnered together to meet community needs as they pertain to COVID-19.

The release notes that Hiawatha Community Hospital and Family Practice Clinics are monitoring the spread and collaborating with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the local health departments to properly identify and treat patients, as appropriate. 

There have been no confirmed or suspected cases at Hiawatha Community Hospital or in the local area.

Visitor restrictions at the hospital, previously implemented in preparation for influenza season, remain in effect. Patients requiring assistance or pediatric patients are permitted to have one guest present in the hospital. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Everyone is asked not to visit if experiencing respiratory symptoms including, but not limited to, cough, fever greater than or equal to 100.4, sneezing, or runny nose.

Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed unless receiving care.

A travel screening is being conducted on all patients.

For additional resources and answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19, please visit:

http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm (KDHE/ Kansas Department of Health and Environment)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html (CDC/ Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

The CDC recommends the following actions:

•  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home from school, work, social events, etc. when you are sick.

• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.

• Wash your hands often, using either soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel for at least 20 seconds.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, light switches, faucets, remotes, cell phones, etc.