Prairie Meadows to Implement COVID-19 Health and Safety Precautions

March 12, 2020 – Altoona, IA. As part of a continued commitment to the health and safety of guests and employees — as well as surrounding communities — Prairie Meadows has announced a health and safety protocol in response to COVID-19, a new coronavirus that’s currently receiving attention worldwide.

“It’s our number one goal to ensure that Prairie Meadows remains a healthy, safe environment for guests and employees,” said President and CEO Gary Palmer. “We’re taking every precaution necessary to ensure the well-being of everyone under our roof, and that includes closely monitoring the Center for Disease Control, the Iowa Department of Health, and the World Health Organization closely for up-to-date information and alerts regarding COVID-19, as well as implementing employee and guest precautions to help discourage the spread of illness.”

COVID-19 is a previously unidentified coronavirus that causes mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory disease. It’s believed to be spread primarily the same way the common cold or influenza does — through respiratory droplets produced when someone coughs or sneezes. People most likely to have severe complications from COVID-19 are the very elderly or those who have chronic or underlying medical conditions. Because there is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19, prevention is extremely important.

Prairie Meadows has issued the following messaging to both employees and guests regarding health and safety practices:

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water
  • Use the hand sanitizer stations available throughout the property
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or the inside of your arm

“People who are most at risk for contracting COVID-19 are those who have been in close contact with someone who’s been infected,” said Palmer. “When you’re symptomatic, the chances are good you’re contagious. That’s why we’re strongly encouraging any guest or employee who’s been ill to stay home

until they are fever-free for 24 hours. We can help keep each other safe and healthy by being smart and proactive.”

Please visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 in the state of Iowa.

About Prairie Meadows

Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $1.9 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers nearly 1,700 slot machines, table games, sports wagering, live and simulcast racing, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.

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