COVID-19 Resources, Updates and Information 

  • September 9, 2021: Effective today (9-9-2021), Loring Hospital will require all individuals age 2 and older to wear a surgical mask while in the facility, regardless of symptoms. Cloth masks will no longer be acceptable after this date. Surgical masks will be available in the front lobby for those who do not have one.  As always, Loring Hospital will continue to take all necessary measures and precautions to protect the safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and community. Thank you for your ongoing support!
  • January 28, 2021: As more and more people start to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, it’s important to know what to expect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you may experience some side effects which are normal signs that your body is building immunity. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Check out this infographic about common side effects. 
  • January 21, 2021: The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has updated Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccine administration to include those 65 and over. Sac County Health Services is working on establishing vaccine clinics for those included under Phase 1B. Please continue to check local media for vaccine updates and information. The graphic below includes more on IDPH’s restructured tiered prioritization as of January 21, 2021. Click here for more information from IDPH
  • January 12, 2021: Many people are anxiously awaiting the day when they will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As of now, if you work in healthcare or are a resident of a long-term care facility in Iowa, you are eligible to schedule and receive a vaccine. Although those in the next priority groups have been identified, a time frame has not been announced for the next round of vaccination opportunities. In the meantime, it’s important to continue taking precautions and stay informed. Wear a mask, social distance, and avoid crowds to protect yourself! Check out this infographic detailing what we know now about the next vaccine phases in Iowa according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  • January 7, 2021: 8 Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccination Process.
  • January 6, 2021: Update from Sac County Health Services - We're getting a lot of questions about when people will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
    We're currently still in Phase 1A, but Phase 1B will include (but is NOT limited to): law enforcement, fire fighters, school personnel, daycare providers and those aged 75 and older. We hope to move into Phase 1B in early February at the earliest, but we don't have a precise date at this time. Please continue to watch our page and the media for more information on when we're scheduling clinics. For more information on the phases, visit https://bit.ly/35cO46w
  • July 13, 2020: Effective Tuesday, July 14 at 7 a.m., Loring Hospital's main entrance doors will reopen for easier access to the hospital. Please enter the hospital through the main entrance Monday–Friday from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. If you are seeking emergency medical services after 5 p.m. or during the weekend, please use the ER entrance located on the northeast side of the hospital. Click here for additional information. 
  • July 3, 2020: As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift across Iowa, Loring Hospital has resumed a number of services, including in-person Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) appointments and discounted wellness screenings. We look forward to seeing you soon – and please rest assured knowing Loring has taken a number of steps to ensure our facility remains safe for you to confidently receive exceptional care.
  • June 5, 2020: Cloth face coverings are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings. Follow these guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to properly wear a mask. 
  • May 29, 2020: COVID-19 and Surgical Procedures: A Guide for Patients 
  • May 23, 2020: When to Seek Care or Testing
  • May 11, 2020: Loring Hospital and UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Sac City and Lake View are looking forward to increasing service access and returning back to normal operations while continuing to keep the health and safety of all top of mind. https://www.loringhospital.org/about-us/news/loring-hospital-to-phase-in-elective-surgeries-and-treatments 
  • May 1, 2020: Universal Masking at Loring Hospital 
  • April 30, 2020: A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Sac County. Loring Hospital continues to work closely with Sac County Public Health as it follows protocol for investigating and notifying any individuals who may have had exposure to the individual who tested positive.  
  • April 24, 2020: A statement from Loring Hospital regarding Governor Reynolds' decision to resume elective surgeries and procedures: 

    Starting Monday, April 27, Governor Reynolds announced hospitals can begin phasing in elective surgeries and procedures. While this news is encouraging, Loring Hospital is actively exploring all angles and scenarios related to this decision, including ensuring that the hospital maintains an adequate supply of personal protective equipment. As always, Loring Hospital will continue to take all necessary measures and precautions to protect the safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and community. 

  • April 6, 2020: Keeping Loring staff, patients and families safe is critical during these unprecedented times. Though the hospital currently has an adequate supply of masks and other personal protective equipment, we continue to be proactive in addressing the possibility of future supply challenges due to COVID-19. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for those who have donated PPE.  Loring Hospital is currently accepting PPE donations, including the following items:

Disposable gloves

Safety goggles

Surgical masks

Homemade masks

N95 masks

Face shields

Splash shields

Gowns

Please mail your donations to the following address:

Loring Hospital

Attn: Teresa Wirtjers

211 Highland Avenue

Sac City, IA 50583

If you have additional questions, or would like to make a monetary donation, please call 712-210-4941 or email twirtjers@loringhosp.org.

Sources of Information