Last week an employee at the Iowa Veterans Home tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, every person that came into contact with that worker could be carrying the virus, even without displaying symptoms, putting veterans and other employees at risk.
And just today, employees who had worked with the person who tested positive for COVID-19, were told that they had to continue working, even though they were exposed, because they were essential employees. One employee received direction from their doctor to self-quarantine, and presented that direction to the Iowa Veterans Home, and the Iowa Veterans Home refused to follow the doctors directive.
This is wrong, and their actions are putting too many at risk. The Veterans receiving care are considered vulnerable, and without a reasonable plan in place to minimize their risk of exposure, their health and safety are endangered.
Governor Reynolds, what is your plan? How will you ensure the care of our heroes, and the safety of their caregivers?
Tragically, the Governor is needlessly exposing staff and Veterans to COVID-19, because her administration has failed to prepare for this pandemic. Our state has seen a growing number of COVID-19 cases in a growing number of facilities, and it would be a tragedy for those in the Iowa Veterans Home to be exposed to this deadly virus.
Our union believes that every Iowan deserves quality, affordable health care, and that our veterans should be honored and protected. The state of Iowa must act immediately to ensure that Veterans and the staff who care for them are not needlessly exposed to COVID-19.