Dr. Paul Parmalee Talks About Rising COVID-19 Cases

(Le Mars) — Recent news reports indicate a surge has occurred with the number of positive cases of COVID-19  across the nation, state, and even here locally within Plymouth County. Record number of hospitalizations have occurred with COVID-19 patients. Dr. Paul Parmalee is a family physician at the Floyd Valley Healthcare. He says a reason for the surge since late August may be due to more people gathering in small groups.

Dr. Parmalee (center) is seen visiting with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds when she visited Floyd Valley Healthcare in early October to learn more about the testing efforts of COVID-19 at the local hospital.  Floyd Valley CEO Dustin Wright looks on.

Parmalee says although all age demographics have been seeing an increase with the positive cases, he says the middle age to older age groups are seeing the most activity.

The Le Mars doctor says so far, area hospitals are able to have enough beds for COVID-19 patients, as well as patients with other health disorders.

Parmalee says people need to take the virus seriously, and wear a mask or face covering. He says when you are not feeling well, you should stay at home. Parmalee says if we, as a community, fail to follow the restrictions that are in place today, then the government will step in and impose even additional restrictions.

Parmalee praises our local schools saying since they have mandated the use of wearing masks, there have not been any COVID-19 cases attributed to an outbreak that happened during the time students were in class.  Parmalee says he will not cut his hair until a vaccine has been perfected, and he takes the injection.