Marion County Public Health COVID-19 Situational Report

Posted By: Nathan Sage
March 18, 2020 @ 11:08 am
Coronavirus, Today’s Local News

2019 Coronavirus Situation Update – As of 3/18/2020 – 11:00am

For Immediate Release: March 18, 2020

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:

Gov. Reynolds issues a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-issues-a-state-of-public-health-disaster- emergency
President Trump has made a proclamation declaring a National Emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak

o The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America:15 Days to Slow the Spread as of

3/16/20.

▪ Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.

▪ If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.

▪ If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.

▪ If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.

▪ If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.

▪ If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.

▪ Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus:

▪ Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.

▪ If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.

▪ Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.

▪ Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.

▪ Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.

▪ Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.

▪ Practice good hygiene o More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

All information included in this Situation Report is current as of the time and date identified above. All Information in regular text is current information. All text with strikethrough text identify outdated or completed information. New information is highlighted.

2019 Coronavirus Situation Update – As of 3/18/2020 – 11:00am

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. Pella Community Schools have also announced their closure for 4 weeks. Other area schools TBD.

Gov. Reynolds provides update to the state of Iowa, additional COVID-19 case in Iowa 3/16/20

o The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) also has been notified of one additional

positive case of COVID-19 in an Iowa resident, for a total of 23 positive cases. According to IDPH, this individual is a resident of Dallas County. As of 3/18/20 there have been 29 reported, positive cases in Iowa. o IWD announced assistance for workers and employers impacted by layoffs related to

COVID-19. The guidance includes information for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims, as well as information on programs available for employers. o For more information regarding COVID-19 related unemployment insurance claims,

please visit the Iowa Workforce Development site at https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/

The CDC updated its mass gathering guidance to postpone for the next 8 weeks any events with 50 or more people; 10 or less people is now recommended.
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. http://www.211.org/services/covid19#FAQ
We have activated a Joint Information Center here at the SEOC and want to ensure that we share information with the County EMAs and PIOs. Communications are a vital part of emergency response. Please take the time to fill out this short questionnaire by end of the day Wednesday, March 18, 2020 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnXNjz- tow4aPcrR0fvdxWRlcKcMlVIIbc2TA_RMRICv9o-Q/viewform?fbzx=4246745801276005765
Representation from both Knoxville and Pella area hospitals are requested for the next Marion County Board of Supervisors meeting to be held on 3/18/20 at 1pm, location 3014 E. Main Street, Knoxville, IA 50138. Only one representative is requested per hospital in order to limit the amount of participants during this meeting.

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.

Useful links regarding COVID-19

Please follow all media releases regarding COVID-19 in Marion County, Iowa by visiting:

o Facebook: https://fb.me/MarionCountyIAResponsetoCOVID19 o Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarionCoCOVID19

2019 Coronavirus Situation Update – As of 3/18/2020 – 11:00am

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.
Information regarding how COVID-19 is impacting us globally: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/
For press releases, articles and news updates related to the Governor’s vision for Iowa, please visit https://governor.iowa.gov/newsroom
If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, use the search bar above to find your local 211 or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help. http://www.211.org/services/covid19#FAQ

Local News in Marion County:

Patient and Visitor Screenings and Restrictions are in Place at Pella Regional Health Center beginning at 6:30 am on Tuesday, March 17th . Please visit https://www.pellahealth.org/ for more details.

o Starting 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 17th, Pella Regional is screening all patients and

visitors prior to entering the main campus and medical clinics. For more information and maps of open entrances, please visit https://www.pellahealth.org/about-us/news/patient- and-visitor-screenings-and-restrictions-in-place-at-pell/

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Limits Public Entrances, Implements Screening in Vehicles

o Beginning Wednesday, March 18, Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) is limiting the

number of public entrances to campus. All patients and visitors will be screened in their vehicles prior to entering the KHC campus. o Patient and Visitor Screenings and Restrictions in Place at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics beginning Tuesday, March 17, at 6:30 am. KHC is screening patients for cough, fever, shortness of breath and recent travel history to affected areas. Isolation, masking, and testing will occur as appropriate. o If you are experiencing cough, shortness of breath and fever (100.4 F), and have traveled

to an affected area in the past 14 days, please call (641) 842-2151 for further screening and direction. o Please visit https://knoxvillehospital.org/ for more details.

For the City of Pella COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Closure Updates please visit: https://www.cityofpella.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=864
As of noon, on 3/16/20, Knoxville Recreation Center and the Knoxville Public Library will be closed down until April 13, 2020. For more details please visit the City of Knoxville’s website at http://www.knoxvilleia.gov/
In accordance with President Trump’s “15 Days to Control the Spread,” the Marion County Board of Supervisors urges residents to suspend all non-essential travel (including work and vacation travel) until further notice.
The Marion County Board of Supervisors approved the suspension of certain county government functions effective 3/18/20. The following Marion County Offices are closed to the public or have limited access until further notice:

o Treasurer’s Office o Assessor’s Office o Recorder’s office

2019 Coronavirus Situation Update – As of 3/18/2020 – 11:00am

o The Auditor’s office is closed to the public, with the exception receiving Candidate filing

papers through 3/25/2020.

▪ Voter registrations can be done on the Iowa Secretary of States website

Please note the following services will be available online at marioncountyiowa.gov:

o Treasurer’s Office 828-2202

▪ Property tax and motor vehicle renewals

▪ Renewal of Iowa Driver’s License, in accordance with DOT guidelines

▪ If you need to transfer a title you may call the treasurer’s office at 641-828-2202 for step by step instructions. o Assessor’s Office

▪ A citizen can apply for Homestead Credit, Military Exemption

▪ Business Property Tax Credit

▪ Petition Forms are available

▪ Access any property information via Beacon services, Ags Sales Book.

▪ Rent reimbursement Form o Recorder’s Office 828-2211

▪ DNR

▪ Hunting or fishing license or renewal online

▪ Regarding information concerning fees for Boat, ATV, Snow Machines – call and send check. It can be processed via mail.

▪ Request vital records by mail from the County or go to Vitalchek.com to access the State of Iowa or call 866-809-0290

▪ Record or search land records at Iowalandrecords.org or mail to Marion County Recorder, 214 E Main St, Knoxville IA 50138

▪ Passport office closed until further notice o Marion County Public Health will conduct business on an appointment only basis

▪ Call 641-828-2238 x 0 or your program contact for appointment

▪ Meals On Wheels services will continue to be provided

▪ Environmental Health is continuing its functions. Contact Bridget at 641-828- 2238 x251

▪ WIC will still provide benefits, but limited person-to-person contact is now in effect until further notice. Please call WIC for further information 641-828-2238 x25

▪ I-Smile Program is discontinuing direct services until further notice.

▪ General relief will continue to be by appointment only. Please call to schedule an appointment. o Zoning

▪ Building permits

▪ Septic permit

▪ Complaint

▪ Land division online

▪ Request for rezoning

▪ 641-828-2231 x7

▪ o The physical location of the Marion County Sheriff’s office, located at 311 N. Godfrey is

closed to the public

▪ All inmate visits can be conducted online at inmatecanteen.com

▪ In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 as Law enforcement and emergency response will continue their regular shifts. o Roads Department

▪ Office is closed to the public.

▪ Please utilize all online options

If you feel your need cannot be met online, please contact this department by phone or email 641-828-2225 or tvangorp@marioncountyiowa.org o Veteran Affairs

2019 Coronavirus Situation Update – As of 3/18/2020 – 11:00am

▪ By appointment only. Please call 641-828-2201 or by cell 812-322-8595 to schedule an appointment.

Businesses

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) needs to assess the impact of the pandemic in Iowa. To assist in these efforts, please complete this survey, developed by University of Northern Iowa – Institute for Decision Making, to tell us what your business is experiencing and how your business is handling the current crisis. https://uni.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4SK7W5qa88IkhXT
Governor Reynolds signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency during the morning of March 17, 2020, requesting the closure of the hospitality sector statewide beginning at noon on 03/17/2020. These services include: restaurants and bars, fitness centers, theaters, casinos and gaming facilities, mass gatherings (social, spiritual, religious, recreational, etc), senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities.

o Senior Citizen Centers and Adult Daycare Facilities: All facilities that conduct adult

day services or other senior citizen centers are hereby closed.