2019 Coronavirus Situation Update – As of 3/16/2020 – 11 a.m. 

Marion County Joint Information Center 

Contact: Rachel Garner, Asst Director, Public Information Officer 

Marion County Public Health Department 641-828-2238 x 223 

COVID-19 Community Spread Confirmed in Iowa, Marion County Leadership take additional measures to limit the spread within the county. 

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a rapidly, changing situation. Due to detection of substantial community spread in Iowa, new recommendations are being made and new mitigation measures should be implemented immediately for Marion County residents. 

• Community spread occurs when individuals have been infected with the virus in an area and cannot specifically identify the source of the infection, or do not know how or where they became infected. 

COVID-19 New Details: 

• President Trump has made a proclamation declaring a National Emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak 
• Governor Reynolds announced that effective immediately, schools will be closed for the next 4 weeks in adherence to CDC Guidance. 

o Schools who have announced closure are Knoxville Community School District, Twin 

Cedars Community School District, Pleasantville Community School District. Other area schools TBD. 

• The CDC updated its mass gathering guidance to postpone for the next 8 weeks any events with 50 or more people. 
• Gov. Reynolds signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, activating the disaster response and recovery aspects of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s Iowa Emergency Response Plan. 
• The United Way 2-1-1 hotline feature has been activated for all Marion County residents who have questions regarding Covid-19. 

What can Marion County residents do to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19? 

Residents should continue following CDC Recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
• Stay home when you are sick. 
• Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

Marion County residents can find the most up-to-date information regarding COVID19 by visiting us at our website at http://www.marioncountyiowa.gov/ , the Iowa Department of Public Health Coronavirus, and the Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus. You can also learn more by visiting https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus. Along the left side of the screen, you will find guidance for your business and organization, health care, long term care, the general public, schools, travel and prevention.