CITY OF KNOXVILLE CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 UPDATE
The City of Knoxville has been closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and we are constantly striving to keep up with this rapidly evolving pandemic. We understand the importance of the safety and welfare of our community.
We are continuing to work with our county public health department, who are closely monitoring the CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health’s recommendations. With that, the City of Knoxville has decided to take the following steps to help ensure health and safety.
- Our Rec Center and Library will be closed to the public until April 13th.
- City Hall will be open, but public access will be limited to the front lobby area. Please call before your visit because we may be able to answer questions in that manner. Please note that the hours of City Hall are under consideration and may be subject to change in the next couple of days.
- Police and Fire Stations will be open, but public access will be limited to the front lobby area. We encourage you to first call with any inquiries rather than stopping by the stations to help ensure the health and safety of our first responders.
- City Council meetings will be closed to the public indefinitely, but will be streamed on Facebook Live throughout that time to allow public access.
- All City of Knoxville Boards and Commissions meetings are postponed until further notice.
If the CDC and/or the Iowa Department of Health provide updated guidance, we will take the appropriate action and communicate those plans through our city website, www.knoxvilleia.gov, and any other relevant communication.
The City of Knoxville would also like to reiterate Governor Kim Reynold’s State of Public Health Disaster Emergency:
- All Restaurants and Bars are hereby closed to the general public except that to the extent permitted by applicable law, and in accordance with any recommendations of the Iowa Department of Public Health, food and beverages may be sold if such food or beverages are promptly taken from the premises, such as on a carry-out or drive-through basis, or if the food or beverage is delivered to customers off the premises.
- All fitness centers, health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers are hereby closed.
- All theaters or other performance venues at which live performances or motion pictures are shown are hereby closed.
- All casinos and other facilities conducting pari-mutuel wagering or gaming operations are hereby closed.
- Social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events of more than 10 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of this disaster.
- All facilities that conduct adult day services or other senior citizen centers are hereby closed.
Knoxville residents can find the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 by visiting 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. The United Way 2-1-1 hotline feature has been activated for all Marion County residents who have questions regarding Covid-19 that can be accessed through their website, www.211iowa.org. You can also access information through Marion County Public Health, https://marionph.org.
As we know these times are very unsettling and difficult, we ask for your cooperation and understanding as we navigate through this extremely trying time. Please rest assured, the City of Knoxville will take every step possible to continue to provide a safe environment for our citizens and the surrounding area.