Webster City Community Theater on Monday postponed the opening of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” the production scheduled to open Wednesday.

Several cast members have tested positive for covid, according to Loween Getter, who will portray Abby Brewster when the new production dates are announced.

This is only one portion of a larger covid story that developed in the community over the weekend.

Some of the people who tested positive also were present during the production of the Rotary Turkey Dinner on Sunday, and then attended the Kent Harfst Memorial Sculpture event that same afternoon that was hosted by Arts R Alive in Webster City.

Fortunately, the Harfst event was held outside at Brewer Creek Park.

However, with all that potential contact, local health care experts offered advice on how to best take care of yourself if you feel you have been exposed to covid during any of these events.

“I would suggest if they know the individual who is positive they watch for symptoms they can develop two to four days after exposure,” Shelby Kroona, Hamilton County Public Health administrator, said.

“If you know for sure of your exposure, limit contact with high-risk individuals until you test. You can test three days after exposures even with no symptoms. Symptoms for healthy individuals may be mild, but some individuals still are being hospitalized.”

In one case reported on Monday the symptoms included a raspy throat, coughing, and headache.

Kroona added, “People should be getting the booster shots; they can call the health department. We do appointments on Wednesdays.”

Carla Johnson, Van Diest Medical Center’s infection prevention nurse, said: “The only other thing I would consider is, folks who know they have been directly exposed from someone who is positive, … wear a mask when around others for 10 days as per the enclosed link from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Aug. 24, 2022.”

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html

Nicole Nachazel, Iowa Specialty Hospital infection prevention nurse, concurred.

“If you are sick or suspect that you have COVID-19, stay home and isolate away from others. You are likely most infectious during these first five days of illness. Here are some recommendations from the CDC:

Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.

Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.

Do not travel.

Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.

Use a separate bathroom, if possible.

Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.

Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils.

Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

According to the CDC: “Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time if you are eligible and the timing coincides.

Roberts said: “The CDC recommends getting both the flu vaccine and Covid vaccines, and says it is safe to receive them both at the same time.

“Some people chose to get them on separate dates especially if they have experienced any type of previous reaction to the Covid vaccine (headache, sore arm, etc); or if they have had a recent bout with Covid they are advised to wait three months before getting the new Bivalent Covid Booster.”

And, the CDC adds: “Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine: If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October.”

Regarding “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which was to run through Oct. 16, new dates have yet to be publicized.

“Patrons who have reserved tickets will be notified,” Getter said. “Those who have paid for tickets will receive a refund. Check our new website at webstercitycommunitytheatre.org for updates.”