Community News Stories

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet
Updated: 4/4/2020
2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new kind of coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now been detected in
many countries, including in the United States and in Iowa.
There are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans, including four very common, more mild viruses that cause illness
similar to the common cold. Healthcare providers test for these common coronaviruses routinely and no public health measures
are needed to address these common coronaviruses. Three of the seven coronaviruses are rare and can cause more severe
illness, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Symptoms:
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include:
● Fever
● Cough
● Shortness of breath
Reported illnesses have ranged from people being mildly sick to people being severely ill and dying. Older patients and those with
chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness.
There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Testing:
More testing is becoming available each day through the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) and through private labs. Your health
care provider will make the determination on whether you need a test, and can consult with public health if they have questions.
Testing guidance is available here: http://shl.uiowa.edu/dcd/covid19.xml
Additional testing resources here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
Spread:
The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet). Spread
occurs from respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes that land in the mouths or noses of people
who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has
the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Prevention:
CDC has issued travel warnings for some affected countries, with warning levels varying based on the risk to travelers. The Iowa
Department of Public Health recommends that Iowans who have returned from traveling outside the state for business or
vacation in the last 14 days voluntarily self- isolate for 14 days following their return and monitor for fever and other symptoms.
Individuals who have cleared their 14 day self-isolation or public health monitoring are not at risk for spreading COVID-19.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being
exposed to this virus. People can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses to others by covering their coughs and sneezes,
cleaning their hands frequently, and staying home when ill.
Contact information
Iowa Department of Public Health
Please call 211 for general questions

ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
110 ALLAMAKEE STREET
WAUKON, IOWA 52172
3 April 2020
PRESS RELEASE
From: Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency, Allamakee County Public Health and the
Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office
The following release is to provide information related to various rumors and statements specific to the
community of Postville and to also provide additional information related to the COVID-19 response within
Allamakee County.
There have been numerous calls, emails and social media posts reference the arrival of busloads of people
within Postville from outside jurisdictions. In conversation with the local officials in Postville, to include law
enforcement and the leadership within the community mentioned, there is no evidence or credible proof
that this is occurring. While travel is recommended to be restricted in many cases from certain areas, this is
not mandated, and people are still free to travel within the United States. Our guidance to everyone is to
avoid unnecessary travel at this time and social distancing is in place.
There have been also statements heard reference testing tents being set up in this area and this is also
untrue. Any testing within the county would be done with coordination with Allamakee County Public
Health, Allamakee County Emergency Management and the State of Iowa, and this is not taking place.
We are unable to release specific cities or locations within the county of individuals who have tested positive
for COVID-19 and this information will remain to be just by county of residence alone.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are contacted daily by Public Health and everyone within that
home is instructed to stay quarantined within that home until released by Public Health. Many individuals
who have tested positive for COVID-19 are currently off isolation and are able to freely move about. On
Mondays and Fridays Public Health will release how many current positive cases reside in the county, how
many have recovered, how many tests have been processed through the State Hygienic Lab from Allamakee
County, any deaths due to COVID-19 and how many positive cases are currently hospitalized. This
information will be provided to the public through local media sources.
Additionally, Allamakee County Emergency Management, in addition to many other counties throughout the
State, has been provided a single Liaison Officer from the Iowa National Guard. This support has been
provided to aid counties in the planning and preparation of potential contingency situations and their
support has been greatly appreciated as we continue to move forward in response to this pandemic. National
Guard units are also supporting the State with delivery of Personal Protective Equipment needed by
healthcare providers and emergency responders. This included a delivery to Allamakee County.
Finally, we are asking people to be cautious and skeptical of what they read on social media and hear in
conversation. Please understand local county and city authorities are aware of the above-mentioned
concerns and are working with the various agencies and organizations mentioned in these comments to
address credibility and concerns to determine if any action is warranted and/or needed.
Point of contact is Corey Snitker, Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency at 563-568-4233 or
email at csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us.

Effective immediately, the DACC will allow Chamber Dollars to be redeemed by any business in Winneshiek County, regardless of membership to the DACC. This offer will be extended throughout 2020.

“In consideration of how we can support the entire business community, we felt expanding the Chamber Dollar program was an easy way to extend our reach,” says Executive Director, Kristina Wiltgen.

Chamber Dollars are a form of local currency, issued as checks and easily redeemable by businesses. Wiltgen adds, “Chamber Dollars are truly a one-size-fits-all gift while keeping the money in the local economy.”

Chamber Dollars are available through the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce office. Payments via cash or check are accepted, no debit or credit cards. Those interested in purchasing Chamber Dollars can call ahead to pick up or arrange a mail order by calling (563) 382-3990. Please note, mail order will require advance payment.

We understand the difficulty our local businesses and economy will have in the coming months. “Supporting local businesses has never been more important. Local businesses are working hard to bring products and services to us in new and creative ways. Service providers are also working to meet clients where they are. They are committed to this place we all call home.” says Wiltgen.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yOYZZGr39uBTblaKj1WT2sJQi8e903X1iOSby-gWNt8/edit?fbclid=IwAR1u75TahbQ5nRuerqfp1nxydwhZgDb7m6WrkO8wAwszVKwfdkjqJVnRsx0#gid=0

CONTACT: Amy Speed
Director of Marketing & Development
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital
200 Main St, Guttenberg, IA 52052
563-252-5516
amy.speed@guttenberghospital.org
www.guttenberghospital.org
The Covid 19 pandemic is bound to impact all of us at some point.
My sister and her two daughters have been fighting it for 2 weeks, with muscle/body aches and pains, chills,
headaches and shortness of breath. They describe breathing as painful, relieved only by humidification. They are
fatigued, saying that even taking a shower is taxing. My sister is 47, tall, thin, healthy and works out daily. She is
on day 14 and continues to have fevers intermittently of 101. Her daughters are college and high school age and
started recovering on day 8, but continue with fatigue and cough. They live in Iowa.
They are fortunate to be among the 80% that will become ill and won’t need to be hospitalized.
The other 20% of those that become ill WILL need to be hospitalized. To understand how many people will be
impacted, look at the temporary hospitals that are being put up in New York and other places around the country,
tents in Central Park, ships in ports, arena’s and gyms, all there to take care of the 20% that will have severe
symptoms.
PLEASE STAY HOME.
The goal of social distancing is to slow the rate of spread. We know that the illness is going to sweep through our
communities. The hope is to slow it down – so we have enough hospital beds, supplies and medical staff to care
for the 20% when needed.
We know people of our community will become ill. The statistics also tell us that if 5 people in a community died of
influenza this year, approximately 10 times that, or 50 people, will die of Covid 19 in a community.
Slowing the spread is the responsibility of all of us. It means isolating ourselves to homes, to our communities.
The less you venture out, the less you bring the virus into your home and into your community, and the less likely
you are to spread the virus to your family, friends and neighbors.
It is time to take care of ourselves and each other by staying home. We must in order to get through this.
It will be a trying time, but we can do it! We can do it together!
If you have any questions, please contact your health care provider.
###
COVID-19: Keep Others Safe. Please Stay Home.
By Dr. Michele Dikkers, Physician at Cornerstone Family Practice and GMHC,
Chair of Clayton County Board of Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation
continuing State Public Health Emergency
Declaration
Thu, 04/02/2020 – 16:00
DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public
Health Emergency Declaration. The proclamation orders the closure of schools, waiving
time requirements as long as school districts put in place a continuous learning plan until
April 30th.
The proclamation also extends closures and limits placed on bars and restaurants
previously identified retail stores, prohibits social gatherings of more than ten people, and
continues to ban nonessential and elective surgeries until April 30th.
And it extends and expands the previously granted regulatory relief and other measures
until April 30th. Violating any of Governor Reynolds’ public health orders is a simple
misdemeanor.
All substantive provisions can be read below, or to view the document click here.
NOW THEREFORE, I, KIMBERLY K. REYNOLDS, Governor of the State of Iowa, by the power
and authority vested in me by the Iowa Constitution, Art. IV, §§ 1, 8 and Iowa Code §§
29C.6(1), 135.140(6), and 135.144 do hereby proclaim a STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH
DISASTER EMERGENCY continues to exist throughout the entire state of Iowa and do
hereby ORDER and DIRECT the following:
SCHOOL CLOSURES
SECTION ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144 (13), and in conjunction with the Iowa
Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Education, unless otherwise
modified by subsequent proclamation, I hereby order that all public schools and nonpublic
schools, as defined in Iowa Code § 280.2, shall remain closed until and including April 30,
2020, to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19.
SECTION TWO. Pursuant to S.F. 2408, section 13, subsection 2, I hereby waive the
instructional time requirements of section 279.10, subsection 1, and the minimum school
day requirements of section 256.7, subsection 19, from April 13, 2020, until April 30, 2020,
for those school districts and accredited nonpublic schools that adopt a plan for offering
continuous learning and submit it to the Iowa Department of Education by April 10, 2020.
Consistent with any continuing learning guidance from the Department, such a plan may
offer Voluntary Educational Enrichment Opportunities or provide Required Educational
Services and must be submitted through the Consolidated Accountability and Support
Application (CASA) system.
SECTION THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 256.16(1)(a)(2)(d) and (m) and Iowa Admin.
Code rules 281-77.10 (9), 281-79.14(5), and 281-79.14(7), to the extent that they require a
minimum number of hours of field experience if the higher education institution providing
practitioner preparation program determines that the student has completed sufficient
field experience to determine that the student should be recommended for licensure.
SECTION FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code §29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 100.31, prescribing that not less than four fire drills
and not less than four tornado drills be conducted in all school buildings each school year,
with not less than two drills of each type be conducted between January 1 and June 30 of
each year.
EXTENSION OF BUSINESS CLOSURES AND ORDERS
SECTION FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144 (3), and in conjunction with the Iowa
Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or
order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I hereby extend the following orders until
11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020:
A. Restaurants and bars: All restaurants and bars shall continue to be 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.
B. Fitness centers: All fitness centers, health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers shall
continue to be closed.
C. Swimming pools: All swimming pools and spas, wading pools, water slides, wave pools,
spray pads, and bath houses, as defined in Iowa Code § 135I.1, shall continue to be closed.
D. Salons: All salons, including all establishments providing the services of cosmetology,
electrology, esthetics, nail technology, manicuring, and pedicuring, all as defined in Iowa
Code § 157.1, shall continue to be closed.
E. Medical spas: All medical spas, as defined in Iowa Admin Code § 653-13.8(1), shall
continue to be closed.
F. Barbershops: All Barbershops, as defined Iowa Code § 158.1, shall continue to be closed.
G. Tattoo establishments: All Tattoo establishments, as regulated by Iowa Code § 135.37,
shall continue to be closed.
H. Tanning facilities: All tanning facilities, as defined by Iowa Code § 136D.2(5) shall
continue to be closed.
I. Massage therapy establishments: All establishments where an individual is practicing
massage therapy as defined by Iowa Code § 152C.1(3) shall continue to be closed.
J. Theaters: All theaters or other performance venues at which live performances or motion
pictures are shown shall continue to be closed.
K. Casinos and gaming facilities: All casinos and other facilities conducting pari-mutuel
wagering or gaming operations shall continue to be closed.
L. Other nonessential retail establishments: Bookstores; clothing stores; shoe stores;
jewelry stores; luggage stores; cosmetic, beauty, or perfume stores; florists; and furniture
and home furnishing stores shall continue to be closed. These establishments may still
serve the public through online or telephone sales, delivery, or curb-side pick-up. This
closure order does not affect other retail establishments, such as discount stores, grocery
stores, or pharmacies that sell these goods in addition to other essential food, medical
supplies, and household goods.
M. Senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities: All facilities that conduct adult day
services or other senior citizen centers are hereby closed.
SECTION SIX. I continue to direct all state agencies to coordinate expeditiously in
developing plans to mitigate the economic effects of the closings necessitated by this
disaster, including potential financial support, regulatory relief, and other executive
actions.
MASS GATHERINGS
SECTION SEVEN. 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 until
11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020.
A. A gathering of people inside parked cars, trucks, or other enclosed motor vehicles shall
not constitute a gathering of more than 10 people if no more than 10 people are inside each
vehicle, all people remain inside the vehicle at all times, and the vehicle remains enclosed
with all windows, sunroofs, and convertible tops closed.
B. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after
termination of this disaster.
SECTION EIGHT. Effective at 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2020 and until 11:59 p.m. on April 30,
2020, all auctions with more than 10 people present in person are hereby prohibited at all
locations and venues, except for livestock auctions that only include food animals, which
may continue to operate so long as there are no more than 25 people present in person.
People who remain inside parked cars, trucks, or other enclosed motor vehicles shall not be
counted in considering the number of people present, provided all people remain inside the
vehicle at all times, and the vehicle remains enclosed with all windows, sunroofs, and
convertible tops closed.
SECTION NINE. In conjunction with the Department of Public Health pursuant to Iowa
Code §§ 29C.18 and 135.35, all peace officers of the state are hereby called upon to assist in
the enforcement of the provisions of this Proclamation.
NONESSENTIAL MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES
SECTION TEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in conjunction with the Iowa
Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or
order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to order that until this disaster
proclamation expires:
A. All nonessential or elective surgeries and procedures that utilize personal protective
equipment (PPE) must not be conducted by any hospital, outpatient surgery provider, or
outpatient procedure provider, whether public, private, or nonprofit.
B. A nonessential surgery or procedure is one that can be delayed without undue risk to the
current or future health of a patient, considering all appropriate factors including, but not
limited to any: (1) threat to the patient’s life if the surgery or procedure is not performed;
(2) threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system; (3) risk of metastasis
or progression of staging; and (4) risk of rapidly worsening to severe symptoms.
C. Each hospital, outpatient surgery provider, and outpatient procedure provider shall limit
all nonessential individuals in surgery and procedure suites and patient care areas where
PPE is required. Only individuals essential to conducting the surgery or procedure shall be
present in such areas.
D. Each hospital, outpatient surgery provider, and outpatient procedure provider shall
establish an internal governance structure to ensure that the principles outlined above are
followed.
SECTION ELEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in conjunction with the Iowa
Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or
order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to order that until this disaster
proclamation expires:
A. All dentists and their staff shall refrain from performing elective dental procedures,
including: any cosmetic or aesthetic procedures; all routine hygiene; any orthodontic
procedures other than those necessary to relieve pain or infection or to restore normal oral
functioning; initiation of crowns, bridges, or dentures that do not address or prevent pain
or restore normal oral functioning; any periodontal plastic surgery; extraction of
asymptomatic non-carious teeth; recall visits for periodontally-healthy patients; and all
appointments for high-risk patients, including ASA 2 and 3 patients, unless emergent.
B. This order does not prohibit the provision of emergency dental services.
C. This order shall be enforced by Iowa Dental Board investigators or their designees who,
pursuant to Iowa Code § 153.33(1)(b), shall have the powers and status of peace officers
when enforcing this order.
D. The Iowa Dental Board shall provide additional guidance to its licensees pursuant to
Iowa Code § 29C.19 regarding the nature and scope of this restriction, to the extent
necessary to protect the public health and ensure continuity of services to Iowans.
MANDATORY SCREENING OF HEALTH FACILITY STAFF
SECTION TWELVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in conjunction with the
Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to order all hospitals, nursing facilities,
intermediate care facilities, residential care facilities, hospice programs, and assisted living
programs to screen all staff at the beginning of their shift for fever or respiratory
symptoms, absence or shortness of breath, new or change in cough, or sore throat, take the
employee’s temperature, and take any preventative measures based on that screening to
prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the hospitals, nursing facilities, intermediate care
facilities, hospice programs, residential care facilities, and assisted living programs.
REGULATORY RELIEF TO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
SECTION THIRTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 135.61 through 135.73 requiring an
institutional health facility to obtain a certificate of need prior to operating additional bed
capacity. Suspension of these provisions is limited to the duration of this proclamation and
is further limited to the provision of medical assistance and treatment of victims of this
public health emergency.
SECTION FOURTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 135C.33 and Iowa Admin Code rules
481—50.9(3) & (9) and 67.19(3), requiring a health care facility and assisted living
program to complete a criminal history check prior to employment of an individual in a
health care facility or assisted living program, to the extent that a health care facility or
assisted living program may employ an individual once that criminal history check is
submitted, pending completion.
SECTION FIFTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 135C.8 and Iowa Admin Code rules 481—
58.3(3)(a), requiring a nursing facility to submit renewal applications at least 30 days in
advance of license expiration.
SECTION SIXTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin Code rules 481—58.21(6)(d) & 65.17(1)(d),
requiring nursing students to administer medications in nursing facilities and immediate
care facilities for persons with mental illness only after successful completion of a
medication aide course or challenge exam, to the extent the nursing student meets the
requirements of Iowa Admin Code rules 481—58.21(6)(d)(1), (2), & (4), and
65.17(1)(d)(1), (2), & (4) and the facility has documentation that it has implemented
training and supervision measures to ensure the student’s competency in safe medication
administration.
SECTION SEVENTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin Code rules 481—57.20(1) & 58.23(1)(a),
requiring residential care facilities and nursing facilities assist residents to obtain regular
and emergency dental services, to the extent those facilities continue to assist residents in
obtaining emergency dental services.
SECTION EIGHTEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin Code rules 481—57.23(1) & 58.26(1) requiring
group activities provided by residential care facilities and nursing facilities.
SECTION NINETEEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 481—58.47, permitting in-person visits
with residents in nursing facilities.
SECTION TWENTY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 231C.3(1)(c) and Iowa Admin Code rules 481—
69.22(2) & 481—57.22(3) requiring an assisted living program and residential care facility
to update a tenant’s or resident’s service plan within thirty days of occupancy or admission.
SECTION TWENTY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 231C.8(1) and Iowa Admin. Code rule
481—67.13(1) requiring an assisted living program to submit any additional or rebuttal
information to the department within two working days of an exit interview at the
conclusion of a monitoring evaluation or complaint investigation.
SECTION TWENTY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 481—67.5(2) requiring a
person administering medications in an assisted living program have, at a minimum,
passed a medication manager course and examination. Suspension of this provision is
effective on April 15, 2020, the date upon which that rule becomes effective.
SECTION TWENTY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 481—69.29(5) & (6) requiring
a new program manager and delegating nurse in assisted living programs complete an
assisted living management class and/or an assisted living nursing class within six months
of employment.
SECTION TWENTY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 481—57.11(6) requiring a
residential care facility employee have a physical examination no longer than twelve
months prior to beginning employment, to the extent it is not feasible for a facility to obtain
the required physical examination prior to beginning employment.
SECTION TWENTY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 481—57.11(6) requiring a
residential care facility screen and test an employee for tuberculosis pursuant to 481—
Chapter 59 if it is not feasible for a facility to do so, to the extent the facility continues to
perform and document sign/symptom review of new health care workers and residents
and places the health care worker or resident on a callback list to test as soon as possible.
SECTION TWENTY-SIX. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rules 481—57.19(3)(c) & 64.4(9)(b)
requiring a person administering medications in a residential care facility and intermediate
care facility for the intellectually disabled to complete a department-approved medication
aide course and pass a department-approved medication aide exam, to the extent the
person has successfully completed a state-approved medication manager course and
passed a state-approved medication manager exam to administer medications.
SECTION TWENTY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 481—57.22(1) requiring a
residential care facility provide orientation within twenty-four hours of admission, to the
extent the facility must continue to provide a review of the resident’s rights and the
facility’s evacuation plan.
SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 135C.36 and Iowa Admin. Code rules
481—56.2 & 67.17, requiring fines for a health care facility or assisted living program, to
the extent those fines may be issued in suspension.
SECTION TWENTY-NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r 641 – 136.2(2) related to trauma data registry
reporting by trauma care facilities within certain timeframes. I hereby direct the Iowa
Department of Public Health to provide additional guidance to trauma care facilities
regarding the effect of this suspension.
SECTION THIRTY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Health, I temporarily suspend the regulatory
provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r 641 – 137.2 and 137.3 related to initial and continuing
trauma education requirements for trauma team members. I hereby direct the Iowa
Department of Public Health to provide additional guidance to trauma care facilities and
trauma team members regarding the effect of this suspension
TELEHEALTH SERVICES
SECTION THIRTY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to suspend the
regulatory provision of Iowa Code chapters § 514C.34 to the extent that it excludes from
the definition of telehealth the provision of services through audio-only telephone
transmission, and I direct the Insurance Commissioner to use all available means, including
the authority of Iowa Code §§ 505.8(1), (7), and 29C.19, to ensure that any health carrier,
as defined in Iowa Code § 514J.102, shall reimburse a health care professional, as defined in
Iowa Code § 514J.102, for medically necessary, clinically appropriate covered services by
telehealth, as defined in § 514C.34(1) or via audio-only telephone transmission, provided
to a covered person, as defined in Iowa Code § 514J.102, on the same basis and at the same
rate as the health carrier would apply to the same health care services provided to a
covered person by the health care professional in person for the duration of this
proclamation. I also encourage all Iowa businesses to take any necessary action to remove
cost-sharing or other financial barriers to the use of telehealth in their health insurance
plans.
SECTION THIRTY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 147.137 and Iowa Admin. Code rule 653-13.11, rule
641-155.2, and other implementing administrative rules establishing preconditions,
limitations, or restrictions on the provision of telehealth or telemedicine services, and I
temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rules 641-155.21(19)
and 155.23(4) and other administrative rules which require face-to-face interactions with
health care providers and impose requirements for residential and outpatient substance
use disorder treatment and for face-to-face visitations.
PHARMACY THERAPEUTIC SUBSTITUTION
SECTION THIRTY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 155A.32 and any implementing administrative rules
to the extent they prohibit the practice of therapeutic substitution by a pharmacist without
prior consent by the prescriber. Suspension of this provision shall extend through the
duration of this Proclamation and any further extension of this suspension. I hereby direct
the board of pharmacy to provide additional guidance to licensees regarding the effect of
this suspension.
SUSPENSION OF INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGE FOR NONPAYMENT
SECTION THIRTY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin Code rules 481-57.14(1)(e) and 58.40(1)(c),
permitting a residential care facility or nursing facility to involuntarily discharge or
transfer a resident for nonpayment for the resident’s stay.
COUNTY HOSPITAL BORROWING
SECTION THIRTY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, and at the request of a local
governing body, I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 347.14(4),
to the extent it prohibits a board of trustees of a county hospital from borrowing moneys,
secured solely by hospital revenues, for the purpose of providing working capital or for
general financing needs to sustain the hospital’s operations.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSING RELIEF
SECTION THIRTY-SIX. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code chapters §§ 147.2, 148.3, 148.5, 148C.3,
152.7, 152B.7A, and any other implementing administrative rules to the extent they
prohibit the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, nursing,
respiratory care, and practice as a physician assistant for an individual who has not yet
obtained an initial license, if the licensing board determines that the individual has
completed sufficient education and should be granted an emergency license to practice in
accordance with any guidance issued by the board. I hereby direct all regulatory agencies
or boards governed by these provisions to provide additional guidance to licensees
regarding the effect of these suspensions.
SECTION THIRTY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 147.10 and Iowa Admin. Code rules 653-
9.13(6) and 9.14, rules 655-3.7(5), rules 645-261.8, and rules 645-326.9(8), and all other
implementing administrative rules which prohibit the practice of medicine and surgery,
osteopathic medicine and surgery, nursing, respiratory care, and practice as a physician
assistant, by a licensee whose license is inactive or lapsed. Suspension of these provisions
is limited to licenses which have lapsed or expired within the five (5) years prior to this
Proclamation and is further limited to the provision of medical and nursing care and
treatment of victims of this public health disaster emergency and solely for the duration of
this Proclamation.
SECTION THIRTY-EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 152.5 and Iowa Admin. Code r. 655-
2.10(7)(a), which limit the number of clinical hours that can be satisfied through
simulation activities for nursing education programs. Suspension of this provision shall
extend through the duration of this Proclamation and any future extension of this
suspension. I continue to direct the nursing board to provide additional guidance to
licensees regarding the effect of this suspension, including guidance on obtaining an
emergency license pursuant to this Proclamation.
SECTION THIRTY-NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rules 650-11.2(2), 11.3(2), 11.5(2),
11.6(2),13.2(2), and 20.6(2)(b)(8) requiring an applicant for initial licensure in dentistry,
dental hygiene, assisting, or for a faculty permit to attest to current certification in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
SECTION FORTY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 47.10 and Iowa Admin. Code r. 657-2.3, 2.11(2),
3.5(1), and any other implementing administrative rules which prohibit the practice of
pharmacy by a pharmacist licensee whose license is inactive or lapsed, or by a pharmacy
technician trainee who is unable to become nationally certified due to closed testing
locations. Suspension of these provisions is limited to pharmacist licenses which have
lapsed or expired within the five (5) years prior to this Proclamation, and is limited to
pharmacy technician trainees whose trainee registration expires between March 18, 2020,
and May 31, 2020, and who are unable to sit for the examination due to closed testing
locations, and is solely for the duration of this Proclamation.
SECTION FORTY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code chapters 80A, 88A, 88B, 89, 89A, 90A, 91C,
99D, 99F, 100C, 100D, 101A, 103, 105, 124, 126, 135, 136B, 136C, 147, 147A, 147B, 148,
148A, 148B, 148C, 148E, 148F, 149, 151, 152, 152A, 152B, 152C, 152D, 153, 154, 154A,
154B, 154C, 154D, 154E, 154F, 155, 155A, 156, 157, 158, 159, 169, 192, 206, 272, 272C,
321, 441, 455B, 459B, 481A, 502, 522B, 535B, 542, 542B, 543B, 543D, 544A, 544B, 544C,
and any provisions of the Iowa Administrative Code implementing those chapters, to the
extent they impose requirements for in-person continuing education as a condition of
professional license renewal or impose continuing education deadlines or requirements
that are unable to be satisfied due to this Disaster Emergency. Suspension of these
provisions shall extend through the duration of this Proclamation and any future extension
of this suspension. I hereby direct all regulatory agencies or boards governed by these
provisions to provide additional guidance to licensees regarding the effect of these
suspensions.
SECTION FORTY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code chapters 80A, 88A, 88B, 89, 89A, 90A, 91C,
99D, 99F, 100C, 100D, 101A, 103, 105, 124, 126, 135, 136B, 136C, 147, 147A, 147B, 148,
148A, 148B, 148C, 148E, 148F, 149, 151, 152, 152A, 152B, 152C, 152D, 153, 154, 154A,
154B, 154C, 154D, 154E, 154F, 155, 155A, 156, 157, 158, 159, 169, 192, 272, 272C, 321,
441, 455B, 459B, 481A, 502, 522B, 535B, 542, 542B, 543B, 543D, 544A, 544B, 544C, and
any provisions of the Iowa Administrative Code implementing those chapters, to the extent
they set an expiration date or renewal requirement for a professional license that expires
during the duration of this Proclamation. Suspension of these provisions shall extend
through the duration of this Proclamation and any future extension of this suspension. I
hereby direct all regulatory agencies or boards governed by these provisions to provide
additional guidance to licensees regarding the effect of these suspensions.
SECTION FORTY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r 281-79.16(4)(a), 645-
31.6(2)(b)(12), 645-280.6(3), 645-240.6(2), 657-4.3, 645-300.3(4)(b)(2), 300.6(3)(a), and
300.6(3)(d), requiring the completion of clinical, practical, or internship experience as a
condition of obtaining professional licensure to be a school administrator, mental health
counselor, independent social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, or speech pathologist or
audiologist. Suspension of these provisions shall extend through the duration of this
Proclamation and any future extension of this suspension. I hereby direct all regulatory
agencies or boards governed by these provisions to provide additional guidance to
licensees regarding the effect of these suspensions.
SECTION FORTY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 272.2(17), 272C.3(1)(a), 543B.15(9),
and 543D.22, and any provisions of the Iowa Administrative Code implementing those
provisions, which require the completion of background checks for initial applicants as a
condition of obtaining professional licensure. Suspension of these provisions shall apply
during the duration of this Proclamation and any future extension of this suspension. I
hereby direct all regulatory agencies or boards governed by these provisions to, upon the
expiration of this Disaster Emergency, conduct background checks for those applicants and
take any necessary action resulting from completion of those checks, up to and including
revocation of licensure.
SECTION FORTY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 155A.7 and any implementing administrative rules to
the extent they prohibit a pharmacist who is licensed in another state from engaging in the
practice of pharmacy in this state prior to obtaining an Iowa pharmacist license due to
requirements that are unable to be satisfied due to this Disaster Emergency. Suspension of
this provision shall extend through the duration of this Proclamation and any further
extension of this suspension. I hereby direct the Board of Pharmacy to provide additional
guidance regarding the effect of these suspensions.
SECTION FORTY-SIX. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and
in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Health, I temporarily suspend the regulatory
provisions of Iowa Code § 155A.8 and any implementing administrative rules for an
individual who has not yet obtained an initial license, if the board of pharmacy determines
that the individual has completed sufficient education, is unable to sit for the required
exams due to closed testing locations, and should be granted an emergency license to
practice until such time as the individual is able to sit for the required exams in accordance
with any guidance issued by the board. I hereby direct the board of pharmacy to provide
additional guidance to applicants and licensees regarding the effect of this suspension.
SECTION FORTY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 542B.13 and Iowa Admin. Code r. 193C3.1(1) and 193C-3.2, setting an application expiration date and deadline for taking certain
examinations to be licensed as a professional engineer or land surveyor.
SECTION FORTY-EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 543D.8 and Iowa Admin. Code r 193F3.2, 193F-5.3, and 193F-6.3 and any other implementing administrative rules establishing
examination deadlines as a condition for initial licensure for appraisers.
SECTION FORTY-NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 542.5 and Iowa Admin. Code r 193A3.6(1) and any other implementing administrative rules establishing an 18-month
examination deadline as a condition for initial licensure for prospective certified public
accountants.
SECTION FIFTY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r. 655-3.4(4) requiring an applicant for a
nursing license to complete an examination within ninety-one days of board authorization.
SECTION FIFTY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r. 657-2.4(2) requiring an
applicant for a pharmacist license to complete all components in Iowa within a period of
one year from the date the candidate passed the initial component.
SECTION FIFTY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-280.2 and 645-31.18, to the
extent that they require out-of-state marital, family therapy, and mental health counselors,
or social workers who provide services by telephone or other electronic means to
individuals in the State of Iowa to be licensed in Iowa.
SECTION FIFTY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code section 29C.6(6), I continue to
temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 80B, and any
provisions of the Iowa Administrative Code implementing those chapters, to the extent
they set an expiration date, certification requirements, renewal requirement, or deadline
for professional certification, or specialty certifications that expire during the duration of
this proclamation. Suspension of these provisions shall extend through the duration of this
Proclamation and any future extension of this suspension. I hereby direct the Iowa Law
Enforcement Academy and its Council to provide additional guidance to certified peace
officers and holders of specialty certificates regarding the effect of these suspensions.
SECTION FIFTY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r. 641-29.6(3) requiring an applicant for a
license as a plumbing or mechanical system professional to complete an examination
within one year from the date of the application. I hereby direct the plumbing and
mechanical systems board to provide additional guidance to its applicants and licensees
regarding this suspension.
SUSPENSION OF FORECLOSURES
SECTION FIFTY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code §§ 29C.6(6) and 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code chapters 646, 654, 655A, and 656 allowing for the
commencement of foreclosure proceedings, or the prosecution of ongoing foreclosure
proceedings, on residential, commercial, and agricultural real property located in the state
of Iowa. Suspension of these provisions shall apply during the duration of this
Proclamation or any future extension of this suspension.
A. Nothing in this section shall be construed as relieving any individual of their obligation
to make mortgage payments, or to comply with any other obligation that an individual may
have under a mortgage.
B. The Iowa Division of Banking and the Iowa Division of Credit Unions are hereby directed
to immediately engage with banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers, and mortgage services
to identify any tools, means, or methods that could be used to relieve Iowans from the
threat of foreclosure.
SUSPENSION OF CERTAIN EVICTIONS
SECTION FIFTY-SIX. Pursuant to Iowa Code §§ 29C.6(6) and 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 562A.27, 562B.25, and 648.1(2)–(6), allowing for
the termination of a rental agreement by a landlord and the eviction of a tenant under the
Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or the Manufactured Home
Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in certain
circumstances. This suspension does not apply to actions for forcible entry and detainer
where the defendant has by force, intimidation, fraud, or stealth entered upon the prior
actual possession of another in real property and detains the same, or any other emergency
circumstances allowed by law. Suspension of these provisions shall apply during the
duration of this Proclamation or any future extension of this suspension.
SECTION FIFTY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code §§ 29C.6(6) and 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 648.3 and 648.5 requiring service of a notice to quit
or service of original notice before commencing an action under Iowa Code § 648.1(2)-(6).
Suspension of these provisions shall apply during the duration of this Proclamation and in
conjunction with the suspension of regulatory provisions allowing for the termination of a
rental agreement or eviction of a tenant in certain circumstances pursuant to Iowa Code
chapters 562A, 562B, and 648.
SUSPENSION OF COURT DEBT DELIQUENCY
SECTION FIFTY-EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code §§ 29C.6(6) and 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the regulatory
provisions of Iowa Code § 602.8107 to the extent court debt is deemed delinquent if not
paid within thirty days after the date the debt was assessed, the date set out in a court
order, or the date due in an installment agreement, and the case assigned by the Iowa
Judicial Branch to a third party for collection. Nothing in this section shall be construed as
relieving any individual of their obligation to make payments of court debt once assessed.
Suspension of these provisions shall apply during the duration of this Proclamation or any
future extension of this suspension.
PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT RELIEF
SECTION FIFTY-NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code §29C.6(6) and 135.144(3), in conjunction
with the Iowa Department of Public Health, and at the request of multiple counties, I
continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 445.39 and Iowa
Admin. Code rule 701-75.3, that require the imposition of penalty and interest for delay in
payment and direct that no such penalty or interest may be imposed for the duration of this
proclamation and any future extension of this suspension.
SALES OF ALCOHOL
SECTION SIXTY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 123.30(3)(c) prohibiting a holder of a class “C”
liquor control license from selling unopened bottles of wine or alcoholic liquor for
consumption off premises. Class “C” licensees may continue to sell beer for consumption off
premises. Beverages may be sold if promptly taken from the premises, such as on a carryout or drive-through basis, or if the beverage is delivered to customers off the premises.
Suspension of this provision will now continue until 11:59 p.m. on April 7, 2020.
SECTION SIXTY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and
in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 123.130(4) and Iowa Administrative
Code 185-4.6(3)(c) & (e) requiring that beer sold at retail at the manufacturing premises
for consumption off the premises must be in-person and transferred to another container
at the time of sale. Suspension of this provision will now continue until 11:59 p.m. on April
7, 2020.
SECTION SIXTY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and
in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 123.30(3)(c) and 123.49(2)(d), to the
extent a class “C” liquor control license holder is prohibited from selling mixed drinks or
cocktails for consumption off premises. Mixed drinks or cocktails may be sold if sealed with
a lid or other method of securing the product and promptly taken from the premises prior
to any consumption, such as on a carry-out or drive-through basis, or if the beverage is
delivered to customers off the premises. Nothing in this provision alters or modifies the
provisions of Iowa Code §§ 321.284 or 321.284A related to open containers in motor
vehicles. Suspension of this provision is effective immediately and will continue until 11:59
p.m. on April 7, 2020.
BOTTLE AND CAN REDEMPTION
SECTION SIXTY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 455C.3 (1) and Iowa Admin. Code
chapter 567-107, to the extent that those provisions require a dealer to accept an empty
beverage container on which an Iowa deposit was made. This action is intended to allow
retailers who engage in the sale of liquor, beer, wine, carbonated beverages, and other
beverages on which an Iowa beverage container deposit is made to stop accepting empty
beverage containers for the duration of this Proclamation.
FINANCIAL RELIEF
SECTION SIXTY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), I
continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 123.137,
requiring class “A” or class “A” beer permit holders to report barrels of beer sold or pay to
the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division the amount of tax due on or before the tenth day of
each calendar month. The associated penalty of ten percent if the report is not filed and the
tax not paid within the time will not be assessed.
SECTION SIXTY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), I
continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 123.184,
requiring class “A” wine permit holders and wine direct shipper permit holders to report
gallons of wine sold or pay to the division the amount of tax due on or before the tenth day
of each calendar month. The associated penalty of ten percent if the report is not filed and
the tax not paid within the time will not be assessed.
SECTION SIXTY-SIX. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), I
continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 123.34(5)
prohibiting a refund of fees paid for a six-month or eight-month seasonal license or permit,
or for fourteen-day or five-day license or permit.
SECTION SIXTY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 99B.12(1)(e) and Iowa Admin. Code 481-
100.3(3) prescribing that no raffle license fees are refundable, and temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code 481-100.16(1) prescribing raffles to conclude
only during the period of the license.
ELECTRONIC CORPORATE SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
SECTION SIXTY-EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code chapters 490, 491, 499, and 501A to the
extent they require a physical meeting of shareholders, policyholders, or members, if the
meeting is held by means of remote communication and provides shareholders,
policyholders, or members a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to
vote on matters submitted for action at such meeting, including an opportunity to
communicate, and to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially
concurrently with such proceedings.
ELECTRONIC MEETINGS AND HEARINGS
SECTION SIXTY-NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), and at the request of the Iowa
League of Cities on behalf of numerous local governmental bodies, I continue to
temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 21.8, 26.12, and 414.12, or
any other statute imposing a requirement to hold a public meeting or hearing, to the extent
that the statutes could be interpreted to prevent a governmental body from holding the
meeting by electronic means, provided that the governmental body properly notices the
meeting or hearing and includes a telephone conference number or website address that
permits the public to participate in the meeting or hearing. I also temporarily suspend
those statutes to the extent they could be interpreted to prevent a governmental body from
limiting the number of people present at an in-person location of the meeting, provided
that the governmental body provides a means for the public to participate by telephone or
electronically as provided in this section.
DEADLINE TO FILL CITY COUNCIL VACANCIES
SECTION SEVENTY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), and at the request of the Marion
City Council, I continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §
372.13(2) that require a city council to fill a vacancy on the city council within sixty days
after the vacancy occurs or the calling of a special election. For the duration of this
Proclamation, and any extensions including this suspension, the City Council shall not be
required to make an appointment and a special election shall not be required to be called.
REMOTE NOTARIZATION AND WITNESSING
SECTION SEVENTY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
personal appearance requirement in Iowa Code § 9B.6, but only to the extent that the
notarial act complies with the requirements of section 6 of 2019 Iowa Acts chapter 44
(Senate File 475) and any additional guidance provided by the Iowa Secretary of State
regarding approved communication technology.
SECTION SEVENTY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 144B.3, 633.279, and 633B.105, to the extent that
they require the physical presence of a testator, settlor, principal, witness, or other person,
if the person is present in a manner in which the witness or other person can see and hear
the acts by electronic means, such as video conference, Skype, Facetime, Zoom, or other
means, whether or not recorded.
CRITICAL TRUCKING OPERATIONS
SECTION SEVENTY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code §29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 321.463 (6) (a) and (b) and 321E.29
and Iowa Admin. Code chapter 761-511, to the extent that those provisions restrict the
movement of oversize and overweight loads of vaccines, antivirals, prescription drugs,
protective equipment, other necessary medical assets food, medical supplies, cleaning
products, other household goods, agricultural supplies and commodities (including, but not
limited to, livestock, raw milk, and crop supplies), or any other goods and supplies
necessary to respond to this public health disaster and its economic effects and require a
permit to transport such loads.
A. Suspension of these provisions applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa,
excluding the interstate system, and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000
pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the
non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code §321.463 (6) (b), by more
than twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight
limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.
B. This action is intended to allow vehicles transporting food, medical supplies, cleaning
products, and other household goods to be oversize and overweight, not exceeding 90,000
pounds gross weight, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation.
SECTION SEVENTY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and 49 CFR § 390.23, I
continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.449
pertaining to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles,
while transporting vaccines, antivirals, prescription drugs, protective equipment, other
necessary medical assets food, medical supplies, cleaning products, other household goods,
agricultural supplies and commodities (including, but not limited to, livestock, raw milk,
and crop supplies) any other goods and supplies necessary to respond to this public health
disaster and its economic effects subject to the following condition:
A. Nothing contained in this Proclamation shall be construed as an exemption from the
controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements set out in 49 CFR Part 382,
the commercial drivers’ license requirements set out in 49 CFR Part 383, the financial
responsibility requirements set out in 49 CFR Part 387, or any other portion of the Code of
Federal Regulations not specifically identified in this Proclamation.
B. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this agreement shall require or allow a
fatigued or ill driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who informs a carrier that he or
she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive hours off duty before the
driver is required to return to service.
C. Upon the request of a driver, a commercial motor carrier operating under this
proclamation must give the driver at least thirty-four (34) consecutive hours off when the
driver has been on duty for more than seventy (70) hours during any eight (8) consecutive
days.
D. Motor carriers that have an out-of-service order in effect may not take advantage of the
relief from regulations that this proclamation provides under title 49 CFR § 390.23.
E. Upon the expiration of this Proclamation, or when a driver has been relieved of all duty
and responsibility to transport necessary medical assets under the conditions of this
Proclamation, a driver who has had at least thirty-four (34) consecutive hours off duty shall
be permitted to start the driver’s on-duty status hours with the 60/70 hour clock at zero.
F. This portion of this Proclamation of Disaster Emergency applies only to hours of service
of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles while actively transporting the
items identified in this section for the duration of this proclamation related to the COVID19 event.
SECTION SEVENTY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 321.463(3), 321E.2, 321E.8, and 321E.9
that limit issuance of permits for oversize or overweight loads to loads which are
indivisible, to allow annual permits issued under Iowa Code § 321E.8 and single-trip
permits issued under § 321E.9 to be issued for loads which are divisible and related to
responding to and recovering from this disaster. I further waive for vehicle and loads,
whether divisible or indivisible, the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321E.12 that
require the vehicle traveling under a permit to be registered for the gross weight of the
vehicle and load and the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321E.14 that require the
payment of a fee for a permit issued for a vehicle and load related to responding to and
recovering from this disaster. The provisions of this paragraph apply only when the
movement of the vehicle and load is related to responding to and recovering from this
disaster. The movement of any vehicle or load under this paragraph must comply with all
other requirements of Chapter 321E of the Iowa Code and of the permit issued, other than
as suspended in this proclamation. The provisions of this paragraph relating to the
permitting and movement of divisible loads authorize the movement of such loads on all
highways of this state, excluding the interstate system.
SECTION SEVENTY-SIX. The Iowa Department of Transportation is hereby directed to
monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public’s safety and facilitate the
movement of trucks involved in transporting vaccines, antivirals, prescription drugs,
protective equipment, other necessary medical assets food, medical supplies, cleaning
products, other household goods, agricultural supplies and commodities (including, but not
limited to, livestock, raw milk, and crop supplies).
MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSING AND REGISTRATION RELIEF
SECTION SEVENTY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.196 prescribing that a driver’s
license issued to a person age seventy-two or older expires after two years. Suspension of
this provision is limited to driver’s licenses which have expired within the 60 days prior to
this Proclamation or during the duration of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension
of this proclamation. And upon the expiration of the terms of this Proclamation or any
subsequent extension of this proclamation, the statutory sixty-day period for renewing
shall resume. This suspension shall not apply if the person is not eligible for a license due to
the person’s license being suspended, revoked, denied or barred for any reason or if the
person is physically or mentally incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely.
SECTION SEVENTY-EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.174A prescribing that a person shall
not operate a motor vehicle on the highways of this state with an expired driver’s license as
applied to a person whose driver’s license is expired. Suspension of this provision is limited
to driver’s licenses which have expired within the 60 days prior to this Proclamation or
during the duration of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension of this proclamation.
And upon the expiration of the terms of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension of
this proclamation, the statutory sixty-day period for renewing shall resume.
SECTION SEVENTY-NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.39 prescribing expiration dates for
vehicle registration, registration cards, and registration plates as applied to a person whose
vehicle registration, registration card, or registration plate is expired. Suspension of this
provision is limited to vehicle registration, registration cards, and registration plates which
have expired within the 60 days prior to this Proclamation or during the duration of this
Proclamation or any subsequent extension of this proclamation.
SECTION EIGHTY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.46 prescribing a transferee of a new motor
vehicle shall apply for a new registration and certificate of title within 30 days of the
purchase.
SECTION EIGHTY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.25 prescribing a vehicle may be operated upon
the highways of this state without registration plates for a period of 45 days after the date
of delivery of the vehicle to the purchaser from a dealer.
SECTION EIGHTY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.20A requiring the owner of a commercial vehicle
subject to the apportioned registration provisions of chapter 326 to apply for a certificate
of title within thirty days of purchase or transfer and pay the appropriate fee for new
registration.
SECTION EIGHTY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code section § 321.52(4)(b) prescribing a
vehicle rebuilder, a person engaged in the business of buying, selling, or exchanging
vehicles of a type required to be registered in this state, or an insurer shall obtain a salvage
certificate of title for a wrecked or salvage vehicle within thirty days after the date of
assignment of the certificate of title of the vehicle.
SECTION EIGHTY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 326.14 prescribing a late filing penalty
for renewals under the International Registration Plan and prescribing an enforcement
deadline for the failure to display a registration plate and registration. Suspension of this
provision is limited to renewals that have expired during the duration of this Proclamation
or any subsequent extension of this Proclamation.
WEAPONS PERMITTING PROCEDURES
SECTION EIGHTY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code section 29C.6(6) and 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code section 724.18 requiring personal delivery of
applications for permits to acquire pistols or revolvers and direct that each sheriff’s office
to formulate and implement a policy for the procedure for accepting applications for
permits to acquire pistols or revolvers and applications for permits to carry weapons that
shall include in-person drop-off without involving in-person interactions between the
public and staff, acceptance by mail, and to the extent practical by electronic means.
SECTION EIGHTY-SIX. Pursuant to Iowa Code section 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code sections 724.6, 724.7, and 724.20
regarding professional and nonprofessional permits to carry and permits to acquire pistols
or revolvers, in that, for State purposes only, the permit to carry weapons will not expire
during this Proclamation. This suspension will not extend to the ability of the permits to be
used to purchase, in lieu of a NICS check, once the permit is past its original expiration date.
ONLINE APPRENTICESHIP INSTRUCTION
SECTION EIGHTY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 15B.4, to the extent they limit the use of
online instruction in determining contact hours for apprenticeship sponsors or lead
apprenticeship sponsors. Suspension of this provision is limited only to instruction
provided during the duration of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension of this
suspension.
OTHER REGULATORY RELIEF
SECTION EIGHTY-EIGHT. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-21.31 to the extent it
requires instructional courses for drinking drivers to be delivered in person rather than
online.
SECTION EIGHTY-NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-221.3, that require an
unattended fueling dispenser to provide a public phone.
SECTION NINETY. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 206.5(2)(a) solely as it applies to commercial
applicators, public applicators, and private applicators who were certified applicators as of
December 31, 2019.
SECTION NINETY-ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 206.5(3) requiring a commercial, public, or private
applicator to be certified to apply pesticides so long as the applicator is under the direct
supervision of a certified applicator. Suspension of this provision shall apply during the
duration of this Proclamation and any future extension of this suspension.
SECTION NINETY-TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 206.6(1) requiring licensure to engage in the business
of applying pesticides to the lands or property of another, to the extent that a person may
engage in the business of applying pesticides to the property of another with nonrestricted
general use pesticides indoors and for the sole purpose of disinfecting or sanitizing areas
where humans live, work, or congregate. Suspension of this provision does not exempt a
person from acquiring any other license or certification required under Iowa Code chapter
206.
SECTION NINETY-THREE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3),
and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the
regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 206.5(4) requiring a commercial applicator who
applies pesticides to agricultural land to be certified so long as the applicator meets the
requirements of a private applicator. This suspension shall not apply to aerial applicators.
Suspension of this provision shall apply during the duration of this Proclamation and any
future extension of this suspension.
RETIRED PUBLIC DISASTER RESPONDERS
SECTION NINETY-FOUR. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Department of Public Health, and at the request of the Iowa League of
Cities on behalf of numerous local governmental bodies, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 97B.48A and 97B.52A to the extent those
provisions require the repayment or reduction of a member’s retirement allowance if the
member is reemployed or returns to employment during the pendency of this Disaster
Emergency as a licensed health care professional employed by a hospital licensed pursuant
to chapter 135B, any state or local government public health employee, any “protection
occupation” as defined by Iowa Code § 97B.49B(1)(e), or any sheriff or deputy sheriff as
defined by Iowa Code § 97B.49C(1)(b) or (c).
SECTION NINETY-FIVE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and 135.144(3), and in
conjunction with the Department of Public Health, and at the request of the Iowa League of
Cities on behalf of numerous local governmental bodies, I continue to temporarily suspend
the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 411.3(3), 411.6(1)(c), and 411.21(3), to the
extent those provisions limit a retired police officer or firefighter from continuing to
receive service retirement allowances, without interruption, if reemployed as a police
officer or firefighter during the pendency of this Disaster Emergency.
STATE AGENCY OPERATIONS
SECTION NINETY-SIX. As required by Iowa Code § 29C.6 (1), (10) and 42 U.S.C. § 5170 in
cases of Presidential Disaster Declarations, this Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
continues to activate the disaster response and recovery aspects of the Iowa Department of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s Iowa Emergency Response Plan and
those additional response plans applicable to the counties affected by this disaster and
authorizes the use and deployment of all available state resources, supplies, equipment,
and materials as are reasonably necessary to assist those citizens located in the disaster
affected counties.
SECTION NINETY-SEVEN. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (1) and (10), I continue to
activate the public health response and recovery aspects of the state disaster emergency
plan applicable to this public health disaster and authorize the use and deployment of all
available state resources, supplies, equipment, and materials as are reasonably necessary
pursuant to those plans to assist those citizens located in the counties subject to this
proclamation.
SECTION NINETY-EIGHT. I continue to direct the Iowa Department of Public Health, in
conjunction with whatever further direction I provide, to take those reasonable and
necessary actions authorized by Iowa Code § 135.144 to address this public health disaster,
including but not limited to mobilizing as many public health response teams as are
necessary to supplement and support disrupted or overburdened local medical and public
health personnel, hospitals, and resources, as allowed by Iowa Code § 135.143 and 641
Iowa Admin. Code 113.2 (1), with the understanding that the registered members of those
public health response teams providing assistance under this authority shall receive the
protections and benefits of state employees as allowed by law.
SECTION NINETY-NINE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily
suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rule 11-53.11(3) prohibiting pay to
those State of Iowa employees for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek while
present in the State’s Emergency Operations Center or otherwise engaged in assigned
disaster response missions or other activities.
SECTION ONE HUNDRED. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (8) and (10), I continue to order
all state agencies to utilize such personnel, equipment, and facilities as necessary to assist
the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management in performing any and all activities necessary to prevent, contain,
and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
SECTION ONE HUNDRED ONE. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to
temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 8A.413(12) and Iowa Admin.
Code rules 11-57.4 and 11-57.7 that limit the number of hours per fiscal year for temporary
employees in state agencies, and the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 20.4(5) to the
extent it limits the period of time a temporary employee may work in state agencies as an
excluded public employee.
SECTION ONE HUNDRED TWO. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I continue to
temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code chapters 8A and 8B, Iowa
Code § 313.10, Iowa Admin. Code Chapters 11-117, 11-118, 129-10, 641-176, requiring the
Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management, and other state agencies involved in the response to this disaster
emergency to procure goods and services through a competitive selection process or to
otherwise follow, adhere to, or obtain other procurement-related processes, procedures,
approvals, or limitations. Suspension of these provisions is limited to the duration of this
proclamation and is further limited to procurements which are necessary to prevent,
contain, or mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 virus, facilitate telework by state
employees, and mitigate and respond to increased cyber-attacks and threats.
IMPLEMENTATION AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION ONE HUNDRED THREE. The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa
Department of Public Health, Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Department of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Iowa Department of Transportation, and
other participating state agencies are hereby directed to monitor the operation and
implementation of this proclamation to assure the public’s health and safety.
SECTION ONE HUNDRED FOUR. Nothing contained in this declaration shall be construed
as an exemption from any other portion of the Iowa Code or Iowa Administrative Code not
specifically identified in this proclamation.
SECTION ONE HUNDRED FIVE. The provisions of this proclamation shall be effective
immediately, unless otherwise noted. This state of public health disaster emergency shall
now expire on April 30, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., unless sooner terminated or extended in
writing by me.

News release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact: Morgan Hawk (319) 786-4040
morganhawk@alliantenergy.com
Alliant Energy partners with Iowa State to create face shields for hospitals
Alliant Energy funds 3D printing completed by students, plans to distribute face shields to Iowa
hospitals
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – April 2, 2020 – Alliant Energy (NASDAQ: LNT) is partnering with a team of Iowa
State University students to manufacture and distribute face shields to medical professionals at hospitals
in Iowa.
Hospitals need more personal protective equipment due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This
collaborative effort will provide shields for hospital staff to use, helping to save lives while preventing the
spread of the virus. This support is part of Alliant Energy’s continued commitment to assisting the
communities they serve.
The face shields are being printed on 3D printers at Iowa State University’s Computation and
Construction Lab (CCL) within the College of Design.
Alliant Energy is funding the 3D printing and donating the supplies to Iowa State. The company will also
be distributing the face shields to hospitals across Iowa. The team hopes to manufacture up to 2,000
shields.
“Alliant Energy is committed to serving and helping our customers and communities,” said Linda Mattes,
Vice President of Customer and IT Operations at Alliant Energy. “We’re proud to partner with Iowa State
University during this health crisis to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and save lives.”
Two Alliant Energy employees were inspired by Gov. Kim Reynolds’ comments during a recent press
conference on the use of 3D printers. They reached out to Iowa State University, and the opportunity to
empower architecture students to innovatively create protective face shields for use in local hospitals
arose.
Shelby Doyle, assistant professor of architecture and co-founder of Iowa State’s Computation and
Construction Lab, is leading the effort of eight Iowa State students to manufacture the shields. According
to a news release issued by Iowa State University, the students work in rotating shifts in a ‘socially
distanced’ assembly line to put the parts of the shields together. It takes two to three hours to print the
parts for each face shield.
“The student employees are making the best of a really challenging moment where a lot of us feel really
helpless as we watch this pandemic unfurl,” Doyle said. “Fabricating face shields is a small way for us to
engage that’s within our capabilities.”
Thirty 3D printers are being used to create parts for the face shields. The students are 3D printing the top
and bottom segments of the shields while adding a clear plastic cover and elastic band to secure around
a person’s head.
Each student wears gloves and continuously disinfects the work area and materials. Upon completion,
the shields are disinfected again before being placed in sealed containers.
In addition to funding the face shield project, Alliant Energy has recently donated over 800 N95 masks to
medical facilities and organizations in Iowa.
Alliant Energy will continue to monitor new information and evaluate community needs during the health
crisis. Visit Alliant Energy’s COVID-19 resource page for more information.
Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 970,000 electric and 420,000 natural gas customers across
Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy’s mission is to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on –
safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company are Alliant Energy’s two public
energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of the Nasdaq CRD Sustainability Index, Bloomberg’s 2020 Gender-Equality Index, and the
S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagramand Twitter.
###
ANR006-20

Fillmore County Public Health Official Statement

Date:  April 2, 2020 11:00 AM

Contact:  Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing

Phone:  Coronavirus Hotline 507-765-2642

Fillmore County COVID-19 Case Update

On April 2, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed one new positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Fillmore County.  This case involves a male in his 50s.

As of April 2, 2020, the current coronavirus case counts for Fillmore County are below.

*Note 3/28/2020.  MDH provided updated information to Fillmore County regarding cases.  One case among a male in his 20s has been reclassified to a male in his 40s.

Fillmore County Public Health is working with MDH and health care partners to address needs of these patients and provide guidance to others who may have had contact with them.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza is spread.  It can also spread when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

Fillmore County Public Health would like to stress again the importance of continuing to do the things that can limit the spread of the coronavirus:

• Stay home and away from others if you are sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue
• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Avoid touching your face.

More information about coronavirus is available website at www.health.state.mn.us.  The MDH public hotline at 1-800-657-3903 is open 7AM to 7PM.  The Fillmore County COVID-19 hotline for media and the public is available Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. This number is 507-765-2642.

Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting: Coronavirus News Collaboration Challenge
The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting is seeking proposals that develop innovative approaches to reporting on the novel coronavirus crisis using collaboration among journalists and newsrooms across state lines or national borders. Priority is given to proposals that focus on systemic, under-reported issues underlying the coronavirus crisis; use data-driven or interdisciplinary approaches to reporting on coronavirus; and hold the powerful accountable. This opportunity is open to all newsrooms and independent journalists in the United States and abroad. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Valerie O. Reinke

Executive Director

Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism

101 West Main Street

Waukon, IA  52172

Website:  www.allamakeecounty.com

Email:  aced@mchsi.com

Phone:  563.568.2624

Cell:  563.419.0908

ISU Extension and Outreach Office Closed to the Public

The ISU Extension and Outreach office in Winneshiek County is now closed to the public due to the COVID-19 coronavirus until further notice.

We are still here to serve you by phone at 563-382-2949, or email xwinneshiek@iastate.edu or freyes1@iastate.edu.

Stay safe and thank you for your understanding.

Black Hills Energy Commits $375,000 to COV-19 Community Relief Efforts

Rapid City, SD– April 1, 2020 – Black Hills Energy announced today plans to donate $375,000 to coronavirus relief efforts across its eight-state service area, including $34,000 in Iowa. This investment is supported by their gas subsidiary serving that state as well as the Black Hills Corporation Foundation, the charitable arm of Black Hills Energy.

As the impact of the coronavirus grows, Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is the continued safety of its customers, employees and communities. After assessing the growing needs in communities it serves, Black Hills Energy designated $375,000 for immediate relief efforts in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19, whether physically or economically, as we witness it impact communities where our families, friends and customers live, work and raise families,” said Black Hills Energy president and chief executive officer, Linn Evans. “As a provider of critical electric and gas services, we are committed to ensuring all the communities we serve maintain access to these services, but our care for our customers goes well beyond providing these services. We have been by our customers’ sides throughout all of the challenges over the last 136 years and will continue to do so through this challenge too.”

Black Hills Energy partnered with state and local non-profits to identify and address needs and allocated $34,000 for immediate relief efforts in Iowa.

“We continue to adapt to the ever-changing environment and are working daily to play our part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and helping those who are impacted,” said Black Hills Energy Shirley Welte, vice president of operations.  “In Iowa we will partner with the following organizations: Anita Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Clayton County Food Shelf, Council Bluffs School Foundation, Decorah Food Pantry, Dubuque Dream Center, Dubuque Rescue Mission, Grand Avenue Community Outreach, Grimes Storehouse, New Visions Homeless Shelter, Riverview Daycare and more.”

Additionally, Black Hills Energy offers assistance options for customers who may be financially impacted by COVID-19, including 12-month payment arrangements and budget billing, as well as temporary suspension of nonpayment disconnections. Visit www.blackhillsenergy.com for more information about these programs and others.

Becky Idstrom, Communications and Marketing Manager

bidstrom@vesterheim.org  •  563-382-9681

For Immediate Release

March 30, 2020

Vesterheim Museum Extends Temporary Closure Due to COVID-19

DECORAH, Iowa—As part of its continuing response to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, has extended its dates of closure through May 29, 2020. “We are monitoring conditions every day and will let people know if conditions change,” Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson said.

Although physical activities have been canceled and buildings closed, Vesterheim is finding ways to continue its work and stay connected.

Everyone is invited to explore the museum’s many online resources at vesterheim.org, including convenient secure shopping at the online Museum Store; the museum’s popular virtual galleries; and its engaging blog posts that feature subjects like fun activities for families. Another way to stay connected is through Vesterheim’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Everyone is welcome to join the public Vesterheim Facebook group to share favorite Scandinavian entertainment from home.

On campus, the Vesterheim staff are taking this opportunity to complete a few safe projects, like waxing the classroom floors and working on some remodeling in the lower level of the museum’s Main Building. “We are taking social distancing measures seriously and making extra precautions to stop the spread of the virus. We’ll be ready and happy to welcome you back when we are able,” Johnson continued.

As of today, the museum is answering the main phone lines, even though most staff members are working from home. The best way to communicate is by email at info@vesterheim.org.

“We are grateful to everyone on the front lines, working to save lives and keep everyone safe,” Johnson said. “We want to send a heartfelt thank you for continuing to support Vesterheim during this difficult and unprecedented time. Every day, we look forward to your words of encouragement as reminders of how much you care,” Johnson continued. Please consider a donation to keep connections strong and Vesterheim’s work continuing.

Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, in scenic Decorah, Iowa, showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts, and explores the American immigrant experience. This national treasure includes world-class exhibitions and 12 historic buildings. It is also a center for folk-art education, offering a wide variety of classes in authentic Norwegian folk art every year. For more information on the museum’s exhibitions, classes, events, membership opportunities, and ways to donate, check Vesterheim’s website at vesterheim.org, call (563) 382-9681, or write to Vesterheim, 523 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

.-30-

DATE:  March 31, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Explore Decorah Challenge

PRESS CONTACT:  Judy Syverson, (563) 382-4158, parkrec@decorahia.org

Decorah Parks and Recreation is challenging the community to Explore Decorah throughout the month of April.

Explore Decorah is an opportunity for individuals and families to enjoy Decorah’s trails. Participants are eligible to enter a drawing to win a free individual or family season pool pass for the summer.

For more information visit https://parks.decorahia.org/

This is an official city press release.  Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of the author.  Any reprint or broadcast of this information must include this entire communication.

CARES Act Assistance for Small Businesses
Paycheck Protection Program – The CARES Act establishes the Paycheck Protection Program, a $350
billion loan program to help small & mid-sized businesses with cash flow during the COVID-19 crisis.
If the business maintains their payroll for 8 weeks, the portion of the loan used for covered payroll costs,
interest on mortgage obligations, rent, and utilities would be forgiven.
Who is eligible to receive the loans?
• Businesses with 500 or less employees;
• Businesses that meet current Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards;
• Self-employed individuals and “gig economy” workers;
• Certain nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) organizations and 501(c)(19) veteran organizations; and
• Tribal businesses with under 500 employees.
What is the size of the loans?
• The maximum loan size is 250% of the employer’s average monthly payroll, or $10 million
(whichever is less).
What can loans be used for?
• Payroll costs (salary, wages, and payment of cash tips up to annual rate of $100,000 per
employee);
• Continuation of health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and
insurance premiums;
• Employee salaries, commissions, or similar compensations;
• Payments of interest on mortgage obligations;
• Rent, including rent under lease agreement;
• Utilities; and
• Existing allowable uses under 7(a) program, which includes purchasing inventory, supplies, raw
materials, and working capital.
How does the loan forgiveness work?
• Borrowers are eligible for loan forgiveness equal to the amount they spend on payroll, interest on
mortgages, rent, and utilities during the 8-week period after the origination date of the loan.
• The amount forgiven will be reduced proportionally by any reduction in employees retained
compared to the prior year, and by any reduction in pay of employee beyond 25% of their prior
year compensation. To encourage employers to rehire any employees who have already been laid
off, borrowers that re-hire workers previously laid off will not be penalized for having a reduced
payroll at the beginning of the period.
Who makes and approves the loans?
• The loans will be 100% backed by the government, but the authority to make and approve loans
is delegated to local banks and credit unions.
• Financial institutions that are already approved 7(a) lenders would be automatically eligible to
participate. The bill also directs the Treasury Department to create a streamlined process for
becoming an approved lender so more financial institutions can participate.
• Without going through all of SBA’s channels, lenders can make determinations on a borrower’s
eligibility and creditworthiness. Instead of determining the ability for the businesses to repay,
lenders will simply determine whether a business was operational on February 15, 2020, and
whether it had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes, or a paid independent
contractor.
• SBA will provide lenders with a process fee for servicing the loan. The bill sets lender
compensation fees at 5% for loans of not more than $350,000; 3% percent for loans of more than
$350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and 1% for loans over $2,000,000.
What happens to the portion of loan that is not forgiven?
• The remaining balance will maintain a 100% guarantee & have a maturity of not more than 10
years.
• Loan payments are deferred at least six months.
• The maximum interest rate is 4%.
Can businesses receive this and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan?
• Limits borrowers from receiving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and an SBA
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for the same purpose. However, it allows a borrower
who has an EIDL loan unrelated to COVID-19 to apply for a PPP loan, with an option to
refinance that loan into the PPP loan.
Other Resources in CARES Act:
• Employee retention credit – In lieu of the Paycheck Protection Program, employers can opt to
receive a refundable payroll tax credit for 50% of wages paid by employers to employees during
the COVID-19 crisis. Available to employers with operations that were at least partially
suspended because of a shutdown order, or employers who had gross receipts decline at least
50% relative to the same quarter last year.
• Delay of payment of employer payroll taxes – Allows employers and self-employed
individuals to defer payment of the employer share of the Social Security tax they otherwise are
responsible for paying to the federal government with respect to their employees. Deferred tax
would be paid in the following two years.
• Emergency EIDL Grants – The bill expands eligibility for entities suffering economic harm
due to COVID-19 to access SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), while also giving
SBA more flexibility to process and disperse small dollar loans. The bill would allow businesses
that apply for an EIDL expedited access to capital through an Emergency Grant—an advance of
$10,000 within three days to maintain payroll, provide paid sick leave, and to service other debt
obligations.
• Small Business Debt Relief – The bill requires SBA to pay all principal, interest, and fees on all
existing SBA loan products, including 7(a), Community Advantage, 504, and Microloan
programs, for six months to provide relief to small businesses negatively affected by COVID-19.

(1)

The CARES Act expands the U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, allowing them to offer a loan advance of up to $10,000 which is available within 3 days of a successful application. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid if the money is used to maintain payroll, mortgage or lease payments, increased costs due to supply chain disruption, or the repayment of obligations that cannot be met due to revenue losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. Note: Some sources, including internal SBA documents, have called this an “Emergency Grant”. However, this program is officially called an advance on the EIDL that doesn’t have to be repaid if spent on eligible expenses. You can apply here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

—————————————————————

(2)

During today’s press conference, Governor Reynolds stated that she will be sitting down with her team later today to discuss further funding opportunities, including more requests from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and steps Iowa can take to offer aid that supports provisions already established by the CARES Act. She stated that she anticipates allocating more funds to the small business relief fund. More on this as it develops.

—————————————————————

(3)

From the U.S. Census Bureau:

“At the present time, field operations for the 2020 Census are postponed until the Coronavirus threat ends.  When it is over the Census will be needing workers to help insure that all citizens are counted so that the county receives the most funding benefits.  Several workers are still needed.

Please help us spread the word that we are still recruiting workers.  This is a great part-time temporary job with flexible hours (15-20 hours per week) and pays $17.50 per hour and 57 1/2 cents per mile travel reimbursement.  Work is in the local area.  This is a good opportunity for retired people, college students, graduating high school seniors and those who would just like some extra income.  All applications are accepted on line by going to:  www.2020census.gov/jobs.”

—————————————————————

(4)

I have learned of a relief fund for restaurant workers, created by a partnership between two Houston, TX organizations: The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation and the Southern Smoke Foundation. Though based in Texas, they state that their funding is not limited to any specific state. You can read their FAQ here: https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/covid19faq

And you can apply here: https://form.southernsmoke.org/smoke/application/

—————————————————————

(5)

A citizen of Lansing created a list of important American books, authors, movies, directors, and artists. If you’ve been looking for entertainment to help you get through social distancing, this list can provide plenty of great options for you! You can see the list at this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-21FkE_9QuNE0np5wwAO_1kD0FkPjbNh

—

Andy KelleherExecutive Director, Main Street Lansing563-538-9229P.O. Box 307, Lansing, IA  52151

Fillmore County Public Health Official Statement

Date:  March 31, 2020 11:00 AM

Contact:  Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing

Phone:  Coronavirus Hotline 507-765-2642

Fillmore County COVID-19 Case Update

On March 31, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed one new positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Fillmore County.  This case involves a female in her 40s.

As of March 31 2020, the current coronavirus case counts for Fillmore County are below.

*Note 3/28/2020.  MDH provided updated information to Fillmore County regarding cases.  One case among a male in his 20s has been reclassified to a male in his 40s.

Fillmore County Public Health is working with MDH and health care partners to address needs of these patients and provide guidance to others who may have had contact with them.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza is spread.  It can also spread when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

Fillmore County Public Health would like to stress again the importance of continuing to do the things that can limit the spread of the coronavirus:

• Stay home and away from others if you are sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue
• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water
• Avoid touching your face.

More information about coronavirus is available website at www.health.state.mn.us.  The MDH public hotline at 1-800-657-3903 is open 7AM to 7PM.  The Fillmore County COVID-19 hotline for media and the public is available Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. This number is 507-765-2642.

The deadline for the State of Iowa Small Business Relief Grant Program and Tax Deferral is tomorrow, March 31st at 12:00pm. If you need state assistance to help your business through this time, make sure you complete this application. Feel free to reach out with any questions. 

 The program offers grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000, in addition to offering a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest to eligible businesses. To be eligible, businesses must have employed between 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020 and be experiencing disruptions due to COVID-19. The state recommends having all necessary information collected before beginning the application process. Necessary information includes:

• 3-month income statement

* Standard business ownership information, including primary address, contact information, FEIN, withholding permit number,  sales tax permit number, etc. as applicable.

• Revenues – March 2019

• Revenues – March 2020 to date

• Balance Sheet (as of application date)

• Payroll prior to March 17, 2020

• Completed Business W-9 form

• Additional fields may include:

◦ Date of business establishment

◦ Description of Economic Impact Loss (loss of sales or revenue)

◦ Number of employees on March 1

◦ Number of employees working remotely as a result of the disaster

◦ Estimated loss of revenues March 15, 2020 – April 15, 2020

◦ Description of how funds will be utilized to maintain operations or reopen after the disaster

Learn more and apply here: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/reliefgrants

Small Business Loans:

· Governor Reynolds has announced the creation of The Iowa Small Business Relief Fund. This provides grants from $5,000-$25,000 for small business having between 2 and 25 employees. The application is available at: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/our-agency-det…/6710. The application is currently available through March 31.

· Governor Reynolds announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a disaster declaration for the state of Iowa as of January 31, 2020 and continuing. The declaration allows pandemic-impacted small businesses to apply for low-interest support loans. The declaration comes after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds submitted a federal funding request via the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

RE: Decorah Public Library expanding online materials, programming access

Decorah Public Library closed to the public on Monday March 16; however, since that time Library staff have been hard at work trying to meet the needs of the community in other ways.

Library Director Kristin Torresdal said “In the past two weeks, we have significantly expanded our e-book and digital audiobook offerings, pivoted to the creation of online content and programming, and spent a lot of time researching and discussing additional ways to serve our patrons.”

The Library will soon be announcing additional online content availability, and as of this week is implementing a regular schedule of online program offerings for children and families (available on Facebook or the library website). Patrons can access resources by signing up for a library card online or by emailing staff at dpl@decorah.lib.ia.us to retrieve their card number.

“We are aware that the public would really like us to offer curbside pickup of materials- and we wish that it was safe to do so- but experts in the library field are advising against curbside pickup and delivery right now. There are simply too many unknowns about the risk of contaminated materials, such as library books- both as they go into homes and as they’re returned to the library. If future research indicates that it’s safe for us to resume materials distribution using one of these methods, we will be happy to do so.

Additionally, we want to abide by Public Health guidelines which recommend avoiding all but essential travel and interpersonal contact- and we cannot in good conscience encourage significant numbers of people (staff and the public) to congregate at the library right now,” Torresdal explained.

Visit www.decorah.lib.ia.us to access online materials. Contact Torresdal at ktorresdal@decorah.lib.ia.us with questions.

Gundersen honors doctors with food pantry donations

March 30 is Doctor’s Day. This national day of recognition honors physicians for their ability to comfort and heal through unsurpassed skill and dedication. Few professions in the world require the constant commitment and compassion that is necessary of doctors every workday of their lives.

To recognize the accomplishments of our outstanding clinicians, Gundersen donated to 31 food pantries in locations that serve our regional communities and to the WAFER Food Pantry and The Hunger Task Force in La Crosse for a total donation of $19,500.

Whether you regularly visit or work in a doctor’s office, mark your calendar for March 30 and take time to express thanks and appreciation for all that doctors do!

To honor our physicians, donations were recently made to the following area food pantries:

• Arcadia CommUNITY Food Pantry, Arcadia, Wis.
• Friends Sharing Food, Black River Falls, Wis.
• Blair Food Pantry, Blair, Wis.
• Southwest CAP, Boscobel, Wis.
• Cashton Cupboard and Closet, Inc., Cashton, Wis.
• First Lutheran Church Food Pantry, Decorah, Iowa
• Elroy Food Pantry, Elroy, Wis.
• Adams Food Pantry, Friendship, Wis.
• Grand Marsh School Pantry, Grand Marsh, Wis.
• Emergency Food Shelf, Preston, Minn.
• Fayette County Food Shelf, Fayette, Iowa
• The Good Samaritan Food Pantry, Hillsboro, Wis.
• Houston Food Shelf, Houston, Minn.
• Caledonia Food Shelf, Caledonia, Minn.
• Independence Food Pantry, Independence, Wis.
• La Crescent Food Shelf Program, La Crescent, Minn.
• Lansing Iowa Food Trust LIFT, Lansing, Iowa
• Care and Share Food Bank of Marquette County, Montello, Wis.
• Onalaska/Holmen Food Basket, Onalaska, Wis.
• Couleecap Food Pantry, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
• Couleecap Food Pantry, Sparta, Wis.
• Trempealeau County Community Cupboard, Strum, Wis.
• Neighbor for Neighbor, Inc., Tomah, Wis.
• Living Faith Food Pantry, Viroqua, Wis.
• Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Waterloo, Iowa
• Allamakee County Food Shelf, Waukon, Iowa
• Pioneer Pantry, Westfield, Wis.
• Open Hands Food Pantry, West Union, Iowa
• Whitehall Food Pantry, Whitehall, Wis.
• Winona Volunteer Services, Winona, Minn.
• Union Center Food Pantry, Wonewoc, Wis.

COVID-19: Protect Yourself

By Dr. Michele Dikkers, Clayton County Board of Health Chairperson

Coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2 or Covid-19, words, that at Thanksgiving, were unfamiliar and nonexistent. Now, they are part of our daily conversation, seeped deeply into every part of our day.

Now that we recognize the name, now that it is in our state and our county, what can we do about it?

WE NEED TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY.

Our best protection is not to get it. This is why it is so important to avoid contact with people outside your own home. If you must go out, practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from other people.

The best ways to prevent infection and spread of respiratory diseases, like COVID-19, include:

• Staying home if you are sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Disinfecting surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in. Symptoms to look for are: chills, fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, chest pain and shortness of breath.
• 2-1-1 is a phone line available across Iowa to assist with general questions on COVID-19.

If you develop trouble breathing, high fevers, chest pain, confusion, lethargy, blue lips or face you should seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department immediately.

Be well and take care of each other. Follow the recommendations of the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the guidance of the state of Iowa, continue social distancing and stay local.

Most up-to-date information and recommendations on COVID-19 can be found by visiting:

• Iowa Department of Public Health webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

The monthly Waukon Community Meal will be served today from 5 to 7 p.m. The free sack lunches will be distributed by drive-through service at City Park in Waukon. Drivers are asked to enter the park off Rossville Road and proceed around the park’s circle drive. The lunch sacks will be handed out at the end of the circle drive near the Sweeney Pavilion. For your safety, please remain in your vehicle at all times. There is a limit of six lunches per vehicle. The sack lunches include a ham and cheese sandwich, a piece of fruit, a bag of vegetable relishes, and bottled water.

Dear 4-H and FFA Families,

On March 26, the Iowa State 4-H office canceled all sheep and goat weigh-ins. The weigh-in scheduled for May 2 is now canceled. We take serving Iowans seriously, and we are prioritizing the health and safety of our community and staff.

We will still have a market lamb and goat show, but there will be no rate of gain contest. All market lambs and goats will be ear tagged by exhibitors. There will be no charge for tags this year.

An exhibitor letter with tagging instructions will be sent in the next two weeks. Please wait for this letter with instructions on how to ID your animals. In the meantime, be sure you are enrolled in 4HOnline and have the sheep and/or meat goat project area selected. FFA members, be sure you are in good standing with your chapter.

If you are exhibiting 4-H sheep/goats at the Iowa State Fair, please contact Angie at aksperf@iastate.edu to arrange retinal imaging.

If you are exhibting State Fair FFA sheep/goats, please contact your advisor.

Throughout this process, we are here to help. Our office is closed to walk-ins, but we are staffing the phones from 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri, 563-382-2949 or you can reach Angie by email at aksperf@iastate.edu. We appreciate your understanding and willingness to overcome this bump in the road.

Guidance for Iowans to sew homemade masks
for healthcare providers
March 28, 2020
There is a national shortage of commercially-produced PPE including face masks, and public and private
officials are working to address national and global supply challenges. Due to the current limitations on
supplies of face masks, there may come a time during this response when commercially manufactured masks
are no longer readily available. Iowans who would like to support healthcare providers can use this guidance
document to construct homemade cloth masks that can be worn by Iowa healthcare providers during patient
care.
Iowans who would like to donate homemade masks need to call their local hospital, medical clinics, or longterm care facility prior to making a donation. The facility will provide guidance on where to drop off donations
outside of the health care facility.
Please construct masks as requested by the health care facility where you plan to donate. If the health care
facility does not have a specific plan, please construct masks using the following specifications:
• 100% cotton fabric, tightly woven, minimum of 160 thread count per square inch
• Ties and tape – 100% cotton – white or natural color – minimum ¼ inch thick
• Nose piece – minimum 4 inches long – plastic coated wire twist ties
• Mask size when complete – 7 inches wide by 3.75 inches long
• 3 pleats per mask facing upward (from outside view)
• The mask should have two layers of fabric
There are many different patterns available on the internet, please choose one that meets the specifications
above or one that meets the requirements provided by the facility where you are making a donation.

Disinfecting Your Facility if Someone is Sick

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-building-facility.html

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Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations for Non-Healthcare Facilities and Not for Homes

Interim Recommendations for US Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

Purpose of this guidance

This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas of those with suspected or with confirmed COVID-19 have visited. It is aimed at limiting the survival of novel coronavirus in key environments. These recommendations will be updated if additional information becomes available.

These guidelines are focused on community, non-healthcare facilities (e.g., schools, institutions of higher education, offices, daycare centers, businesses, community centers) that do and do not house persons overnight. These guidelines are not meant  for cleaning staff in healthcare facilities or repatriation sites, households, or for others for whom specific guidance already exists.

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Clean & Disinfect of Households

Interim Recommendations for US Households with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html

Corey P Snitker

Emergency Management Coordinator

Allamakee County Iowa

877 HWY 9

Waukon, IA 52172

Cell: 563-568-1911

Office: 563-568-4233

csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us

***RUMOR CONTROL***

Folks, we would like to take an opportunity to address some rumors regarding COVID 19 pandemic and Governor Walz Executive Order #20-20.

As you are likely aware, this Stay at Home order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27th through April 10th.
State Border Closings: There are currently no plans to close state boarders under this directive. In our Tri-State area, we have many people who live in one state and work in another. You are free to go from one state to another for work if your employer has been deemed essential and to obtain medical services or other essential items.

As COVID-19 spreads, our top priority at MiEnergy Cooperative is to keep our employees safe in order to continue to provide reliable power and service to members. Below are important precautions that are being taken.

• Steps have been taken to enable employees to work from home. Employees with positions that require them to be at work have been given guidelines on reducing exposure to each other and to practice social distancing.
• All employees have been asked to take precautions to reduce possible exposure to COVID-19 outside of the workplace.
• The offices in Cresco and Rushford were closed to the public on March 18. Employees continue to take phone calls and respond to emails and mail.
• Member attendance for the annual meeting scheduled for April 22 is cancelled. Elections will continue as planned. Members in District 1 are encouraged to cast their ballot by mail or electronically by the deadlines supplied with the ballot information.
• Planned outages have been limited to avoid a conflict with members working from home.
• Disconnection of service due to nonpayment has been postponed at this time.

As members spend more time at home, being energy efficient now will help avoid higher electric bills later. One tool to help track energy use is SmartHub. Find it online at www.mienergy.coop or search for SmartHub where apps are downloaded. SmartHub also allows for online payments. The co-op’s website has online energy use guides and the newly added online Electric$ense site for delivering energy efficiency to your door.

The co-op understands that members will face financial hardships due to COVID-19 and encourages members to call the office to discuss payment options and possible utility assistance programs if they are in this situation. Members looking for a way to help their neighbors can contribute to the co-op’s RECare program that assists members in paying their electric bills.

Your local electric cooperative is prepared to continue delivering safe, reliable power during the pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 1-800-432-2285.

Wishing you safety and good health,

Brian Krambeer, President/CEO

Dean Nierling, Chair

This news release will have 5 parts listed below:

1. Donations of N95 Masks requested
2. Is that business essential or not. Citizens have questions.
3. Crawford County Testing numbers
4. Volunteers still needed
5. Food Pantry availability in Crawford County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Crawford County Emergency Management is accepting donations of certified N95 masks that are new and unused or even expired. Please contact Fire Chief Tad Beutin at the Prairie du Chien Fire Department at 608-326-4365 or his cell phone at 608-306-0361.

An N95 respirator is a protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. Surgical N95 Respirators are commonly used in healthcare settings and are a subset of N95 Filtering Face piece Respirators (FFRs), often referred to as N95s. These masks are not to be confused with surgical masks which are loose fitting and create a physical barrier for the wearer from particulants in the immediate area. These masks are not able to be formed around the mouth and make a seal.

We have received calls regarding certain businesses throughout out community on why they are still open and if they truly essential. Anyone that may have questions regarding these issues may direct their questions to Robert Moses at 608-326-8555 extension 12. If you cannot reach Robert at that number please leave him a voicemail with you name, phone number, and which businesses you may have questions about and he will return your call. Robert will be handling calls regarding ALL businesses throughout Crawford County.

The Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of commerce is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date information on Chamber member’s change of hours, closings, and what they have to offer during this difficult time. If you are a Chamber member business, please provide any updates or changes to your listing by emailing the Chamber at pdccoc@mhtc.net. We will do our best to keep up with the ongoing changes. A listing of these businesses can be found are prairieduchien.org under the COVID-19 tab in the upper right of the page.

Crawford  County Public Health Department reports the following:

As of 3/27/2020 @ 10 a.m. Crawford County, WI has ZERO confirmed cases of COVID-19.

There has been a total of 52 tests with 48 negative results and 4 pending results.

While confirmed cases help to represent the disease spread in a community, they do not account for all possible cases.

Community spread is now considered statewide in WI.
To see all WI confirmed case numbers go to: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm
The site updates daily at 2 p.m.

We recommend that residents practice social distancing, continue hand washing regularly and stop all non-essential travel.

Crawford County is still looking to compile a list of volunteers willing to assist in the COVID-19 response (SHOULD WE END UP NEEDING VOLUNTEERS)

We urge for people with prior healthcare training to join the list as well.
Volunteers could be asked to a wide variety of different tasks.
Please call 608-326-2718 to register.  If no answer leave a message.

Couleecap, Inc. is offering expanded food pantry hours in Sparta and Prairie du Chien to assist people struggling with food insecurity during the corona virus emergency. Individuals and families impacted by unemployment or reduced hours, school or business closures, or other reasons for food scarcity are encouraged to visit a Couleecap food pantry Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The food pantries, located at 217 North Black River Street in Sparta and 200 E. Blackhawk Avenue in Prairie du Chien (rear entrance), will offer pre-packed bags of food than can be picked up without entering the building, reducing face-to-face contact to prevent the spread of germs. If a person or family needs food but cannot come to the pantry themselves, they may send a friend or family member on their behalf. Couleecap will offer accommodations for special dietary needs when possible and can schedule limited home delivery to those who are not able to send someone on their behalf.

For residents on the northern end of Crawford County, the Gays Mills Food Pantry, will be open The 1st Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The location of the Gays Mills Food Pantry is 120 Sunset Ridge, Suite 122 in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. There website can be found at http://www.gaysmills.org/foodpantry.html

Deputy Marc Myhre #28

Crawford County Sheriff’s Department

224 N Beaumont Rd

Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

608-642-3649- Cell (Primary Contact)

608-326-8414- Sheriff’s Department

For Immediate Release

March 27, 2020

Contact: Lisa Moose RN                                                        Contact: Sheryl Darling-Mooney RN

lmoose@vmhospital.com                                                        smooney@vmhospital.com

Allamakee County Public Health (Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care) has currently been notified of a total of 7 positive cases of COVID 19 in Allamakee County. Unfortunately we have received notice of a death of one our 7 cases. This case is a male between the ages of 61-80 years of age. 3 cases have already recovered and have been released from isolation and 3 are recovering at home under isolation. We do expect to see more positive cases in the coming days.

Allamakee County Public Health and our other area health partners can not stress enough the importance of STAYING HOME. This does slow the spread. Staying home does not mean you can’t go for a walk or be outside as long as you maintain social distancing. 6 feet physical distancing is about the length of a twin bed.

Send one (1) person out to go to the grocery store to get essentials for ONE week.

Utilize technology to connect socially by phone calls, texting, video streaming, Facebook live, Zoom and other apps. We understand you need to be able to connect with others but for everyone’s safety it needs to be at a distance.

Public notification of any additional positives will be released daily on the Iowa Department of Public Health website.

If you are experiencing any health concerns related to respiratory symptoms you NEED to call your health care provider first before seeking medical attention.

If you stay home now we can be together later.

Thank you for helping to keep yourself, your family, your neighbors and our communities safe.

This is an official public health press release. Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of this author. Any reprint or rebroadcast of this information must include the entire communication.

On Thursday, the Iowa Army National Guard delivered a shipment of PPE (personal protective equipment) to Clayton County. Public Health and Emergency Management worked to properly package the supplies for distribution throughout the county. These items will aide our first responders, healthcare workers, and long-term care facility providers. PPE is being dispersed throughout Clayton County today!

Last week county agencies were contacted for an inventory of items on-hand. Requests for projected needs were taken into consideration. All Clayton County agencies are working through this together. Each agency is sourcing their own additional PPE needs. We continue to see an inspiring dynamic of resources and responses from both public and private sectors working together.

Please Follow Clayton County EMA on facebook https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonCountyEMA/ for updates

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 27, 2020     0900 am                                                              563-382-4662

Contact: Krista Vanden Brink BA, RN                                       Nancy Sacquitne RN, BSN

kvandenbrink@winneshiekhealth.org                                   nsacquitne@winneshiekhealth.org

Winneshiek County Public Health was notified of an additional positive case of COVID 19 in Winneshiek County late yesterday. This person has already recovered and had been in isolation.

Winneshiek County Public Health and our community health partners are stressing the importance of STAYING HOME. This does slow the spread.

If you must go out, MAINTAIN the 6 feet physical distancing – about the length of a twin bed.

Send one (1) person out to go to the grocery store to get essentials for ONE week.

Utilize social media to connect socially by video streaming, Facebook live, Zoom and other apps. We know you need to socially connect but it must be at a distance for all.

Public notification of any additional positives will be released daily on the Iowa Department of Public Health website.

If you have health concerns with respiratory symptoms, you NEED to call your providers first before going to the hospital or clinics.

If you stay home NOW, we can have the summer together.

Thank you for helping to keep our communities safe.

This is an official public health press release. Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of the author. Any reprint or broadcast of this information must include this entire communication

###

(1)

During Governor Reynolds’ press conference, she stated that the existing business closures would extend to April 7th, or one week longer than originally stated. She also announced that, as of 10:00pm tonight, additional retail stores will be closed through April 7th. Retail stores included in this closure are book stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, luggage stores, cosmetic, perfume and beauty supply stores, florists, furniture stores, and home furnishing stores. This closure does not affect other retail establishments, such as discount store, grocery stores, or pharmacies that sell these goods in addition to other essential food, medical supplies, and household goods.

Additionally, effective at 5 p.m. Friday, all non-essential or elective surgeries and procedures that can be delayed are suspended and all elective dental procedures are suspended, with the exception of emergency procedures.

She stated that they had reevaluated the school closure, and maintain that schools should remain closed until April 13th.

You can read her proclamation here: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-state-public-health-emergency-0

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(2)

Last night the Senate unanimously passed the $2.2 Trillion relief package in a 96-0 vote. House leadership seems confident that a passing vote will be reached, with voting hopefully taking place on Friday. Some representatives have expressed concern over the desire to vote without being present (due to proximity concerns), so the logistics of the vote could delay any action. More on this as it develops.

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(3)

A business called Iowa Love reached out to me to present a free online gift card option for small businesses. Essentially, they’ve created a section of their website that allows small business to offer gift cards for sale online; they are offering this service at no cost to participating businesses (aside from processing fees that the payment system incurs). A number of towns have jumped into this, and it’s especially helpful for businesses without an online store. Customers buying gift cards now can give businesses cash flow to survive this ongoing crisis. You can see participating businesses here: https://iowalove.org/products/giftcards

And you can learn more about how it works here: https://iowalove.org/pages/how-it-works

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(4)

I’ve been updating the restaurant information almost daily as situations continue to change. The Google Drive folder contains the most recent menus and hour changes. You can still access all the information at the same link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1013wTaRdkMMzbtE6AuTcdOG9NTKbwsnC

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(5)

Many people are temporarily out of work due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but Kwik Trip, Inc. has seen increased demands on their stores due to COVID-19. They are looking to hire at least 2,000 full- and part-time workers. While also looking for year-round and seasonal positions, they understand that their increased volume at the moment provides an opportunity for temporary work until people are able to return to their current jobs. If you’re curious about pursuing this option, your first step would be a hiring event, which are being held virtually; the first one will be Tuesday, March 31st. You can read more here: https://jobs.kwiktrip.com/lp/Hiring%20Events%20Home%20Page/6b3934aae342097d/?locale=en_US

—

Andy KelleherExecutive Director, Main Street Lansing563-538-9229P.O. Box 307, Lansing, IA  52151

March 26, 2020

Contact: Nancy Yelden RN  (563-245-1145)

Nancy.yelden@unitypoint.org

First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Clayton County

A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Clayton County for a female in the age group of 18-40 years.  According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.

“While this is Clayton County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Clayton County Visiting Nurse Association Director Stacey Killian. These actions include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Staying home when ill.

Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19, will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house. Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

• other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

• at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider from home using technology.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

March 26, 2020

CONTACT:  Erin Berns at Veterans Memorial Hospital  568-3411

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Urgent Care Hours Change During COVID-19

Veterans Memorial Hospital has changed the hours of Urgent Care services during this COVID-19 challenge.  Monday through Friday, the hours will now be reduced to 5 – 7 p.m.  Saturdays, Sundays and holidays will still hold the same hours from 9 am – 1 pm.

Urgent Care is still available seven days a week and designed for treating injuries or illnesses requiring immediate care, but not serious enough to require an emergency department visit.  During COVID-19, all patients with any respiratory symptoms are required to call the hospital at 568-3411 before coming in.   Urgent Care patients present to the main entrance of Veterans Memorial Hospital.   Emergency patients are still asked to come to the ER entrance of the hospital.

Examples of what a patient may seek Urgent Care for could include back pain; bladder or urinary tract infection; cough; cuts, scrapes and bruises; diarrhea; fever, colds and flu; ear pain, swimmer’s ear, ear infection, or wax removal; insect or tick bite; joint pain; minor burn; nausea/vomiting; pink eye; rash; seasonal allergies; sinus and upper respiratory infection; sore or strep throat; strains/sprains; sudden back or neck pain; urinary problems or vaginal irritation/discharge.  Most insurance does cover urgent care visits.  Patients can usually expect to pay a copay or deductible for visits to Urgent Care treatment

For questions on local medical testing and services, please call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 568-3411.

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2 healthcare facilities remain able to accommodate those who require intensive medical intervention. This Executive Order is consistent with a growing nationwide effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. On March 16, 2020, President Donald Trump issued guidelines to limit gatherings of more than 10 people. As of March 24, 2020, twenty-four states representing almost 200 million Americans have issued orders or public health directives closing non-essential businesses or limiting residents from participating in non-essential activities. Limiting activities to only those which are most essential and practicing social distancing at all times are vital tools required to mitigate the community spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota and nationwide. On March 23, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience inCOVID-19 Response (“CISA Guidance”—attached to, and incorporated into, this Executive Order). The CISA Guidance identifies workers who conduct a range of operations and services that are essential to continued critical infrastructure viability. This federal guidance provides a baseline for Minnesota’s efforts to ensure critical infrastructure and services are maintainedwhile slowing the spread of COVID-19.In Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.02, the Minnesota Legislature conferred upon the Governor emergency powers “in order to (1) ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with disasters, (2) generally protect the public peace, health, and safety, and (3) preserve the lives and property of the people of the state.” Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.21, subdivision 1, the Governor has general authority to control the state’s emergency management as well as carry out the provisions of Minnesota’s Emergency Management Act. Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.21, subdivision 3(7), authorizes the Governor to cooperate with federal and state agencies in “matters pertaining to the emergency management of the state and nation . . . .” including “the direction or control of . . . the conduct of persons in the state, including entrance or exit from any stricken or threatened public place, occupancy of facilities, and . . . public meetings or gatherings . . . .” Pursuant to subdivision 3 of that same section, the Governor may “make, amend, and rescind the necessary orders and rules to carry out the provisions” of Minnesota Statutes 2019, Chapter 12. When approved by the Executive Council and filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, such orders and rules have the force and effect of law during the peacetime emergency. Any inconsistent rules or ordinances of any agency or political subdivision of the state are suspended during the pendency of the emergency. Any person who willfully violates such an order or rule is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days. For these reasons, I order as follows: 1.Beginning on Friday, March 27, 2020 at 11:59 pm through Friday, April 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm, all persons currently living within the State of Minnesota are ordered to stay at home or in their place of residence except to engage in the Activities and CriticalSector work set forth below in Paragraphs 5 and 6.

3 2.For purposes of this Executive Order, homes or residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units, shelters, and similar facilities, to the extent they are used for lodging. 3.This Executive Order does not restrict virtual work or telework (i.e . work from home), and Minnesotans working in any field are encouraged to work from their home or residence as much as possible.4.Definitions.As used in this Executive Order, “workers” and “personnel” are broadly defined to include employees, contractors, vendors, and volunteers. As used in this Executive Order, “Critical Sectors” is defined to include the categories found in the CISA Guidance and the additional categories listed below. 5.Exemptions – Activities. Minnesotans may leave their homes or residences to engage in the following activities, provided that all persons follow the guidelines set forth and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health (“MDH Guidelines”), including but not limited to social distancing, to the maximum extent possible. This list of Activities may be clarified, as deemed necessary by the Governor, to ensure the health, safety, and security of all Minnesotans. Clarifications will be available for public review at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/a.Relocation to ensure safety. Individuals whose homes or residences are unsafe or become unsafe, including individuals who have suffered or are at risk of domestic violence or for whom the safety, sanitation or essential operations of the home or residence cannot be maintained, are allowed and urged to leave their home or residence and relocate to a safe alternative home or residence. b.Health and s afety activities. Individuals may seek emergency services, obtain medical services, supplies, and medications, and visit a health care or dental professional or facility, or a veterinarian. Individuals may also donate blood. c.Outdoor activities. Individuals may engage in outdoor activities (e.g.,walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing), and may go to available public parks and other public recreation lands, consistent with remaining at least six feet apart from individuals from other households. This does not exempt public accommodations that may feature outdoor activities from closure under Executive Order 20-04 and does not permit trespass upon private property. d.Necessary supplies and services. Individuals may obtain food, including delivery or carry-out services, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and other grocery items, gasoline, supplies needed to work from home, and products needed to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of homes and residences, businesses, and personally owned vehicles, including

(1)

The State of Iowa has released a program called the Targeted Small Business Sole Operator Fund. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000 to businesses that are sole proprietors or single-member LLCs that are also TSB certified, or have an application submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) by April 10, 2020 to become TSB certified. The Targeted Small Business Program is designed to help Iowa for-profit small businesses that are majority-owned (51 percent or more), operated and managed by a female, individual with minority status, service disabled veteran or individual with a disability. The program grants TSB Certified businesses access to business support, low-interest loans, and the ability to sell to state agencies without going through a competitive bidding process. If you are not a Targeted Small Business and would like to explore this opportunity, you can apply for both the program and the grant funds at the same time. Learn more here: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/programDetails?pid=137&ppid=26

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(2)

The State of Iowa Small Business Relief Grant Program and Tax Deferral is up and running. The online application was very busy yesterday, but I have checked 3 times today and had no problems accessing it. The program offers grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000, in addition to offering a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest to eligible businesses. To be eligible, businesses must have employed between 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020 and be experiencing disruptions due to COVID-19. The program is not first-come, first-serve, so you don’t need to worry if it takes you some time to complete the application. However, all applications are due by Tuessday, March 31st at noon. The state recommends having all necessary information collected before beginning the application process. Necessary information includes:

• 3-month income statement

* Standard business ownership information, including primary address, contact information, FEIN, withholding permit number,  sales tax permit number, etc. as applicable.

• Revenues – March 2019
• Revenues – March 2020 to date
• Balance Sheet (as of application date)
• Payroll prior to March 17, 2020
• Completed Business W-9 form
• Additional fields may include:

◦ Date of business establishment

◦ Description of Economic Impact Loss (loss of sales or revenue)

◦ Number of employees on March 1

◦ Number of employees working remotely as a result of the disaster

◦ Estimated loss of revenues March 15, 2020 – April 15, 2020

◦ Description of how funds will be utilized to maintain operations or reopen after the disaster

Learn more and apply here: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/reliefgrants

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(3)

The State of Iowa has released a new website providing information on COVID-19. This site includes information on Iowa COVID-19 statistics, information on the COVID-19 virus and how to protect yourself and a State of Iowa Agency Guidance site that has links to various Iowa Agencies and information pertaining to their services. This new website can be found at https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/

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(4)

The United States Bartenders Guild has an emergency assistance program for COVID-19 relief.

In order to qualify for grant assistance from the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program, the recipient must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1 Be a Bartender or the spouse or child of a Bartender. The Bartender Emergency Assistance Program defines a “Bartender” as an individual employed in serving beverages or otherwise engaged in the production, promotion or distribution of alcoholic beverages. An individual is considered “employed” as a Bartender if, for not less than one year prior to the application, the individual performed services as a Bartender on a regular full- or part-time basis or, if the catastrophic event or emergency hardship giving rise to the application prevents the individual from performing such services, for not less than one year prior to the event or hardship the individual performed services as a Bartender on a regular full- or part-time basis.

2. Experience a catastrophic event or emergency hardship that is:

• Identifiable and described in detail in the application;
• Damaging to the person or property (e.g., loss of life, health, or property);
• Sudden and precipitous rather than gradual or progressive;
• Unexpected, unanticipated, unforeseen, unintended, or unplanned; and
• Unusual and not normally occurring in the ordinary course of day-to-day living.

3. Lack the necessities of life, including financial, physical, mental, or emotional well being as a result of the catastrophic event or emergency                hardship.

4. Provide tangible documentation of the catastrophic event or emergency hardship.

Note: You do not need to be a member of the USBG to apply. Find more information and apply here: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap

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(5)

The Senate is expected to vote on the $2 Trillion coronavirus aid package today. The House could vote as early as tomorrow, and President Trump has indicated that he is willing to sign when it lands on his desk. While details could change, the current Senate aid package includes:

—A $500 Billion loan program for businesses

—$600 per week expansion for unemployment insurance

—$150 Billion for hospitals, equipment, and health care worker protections

—$150 Billion in aid for state and local governments

—A one-time $1,200 check to most adults making $75,000 or less annually, plus $500 for every child

—$367 Billion for loans to small businesses

One important note: The House has its own plan for stimulating the economy, but they may choose to agree with the Senate plan in order to get this out to the public as soon as possible. Updates on this will continue in the coming days.

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(6)

Yesterday, Shep’s Riverside Bar and Grill and a team of fantastic volunteers delivered nearly 350 free hot meals to people across the community! An anonymous donor reached out to Shep’s to pay for 100 meals to distribute to the community to ease COVID-19 worries, and donations kept coming in to cover the cost of even more meals. They didn’t turn anyone down. At the end of the day, they served 80 pounds of beef, 90 pounds of potatoes, 10 gallons of gravy, 100 pounds of corn, 60 pounds of green beans, 33 loaves of bread, and 230 cookies. The local news covered it here: https://wxow.com/2020/03/24/the-lansing-iowa-community-helps-their-locals-with-free-hot-meals/

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Andy KelleherExecutive Director, Main Street Lansing563-538-9229P.O. Box 307, Lansing, IA  52151

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon will be offering Curbside Service. Call M-F from 10am-12pm or visit www.waukon.lib.ia.us for details.

Finkenauer to Hold Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall

with Local Business, Labor, and Workforce Leaders

Thursday, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) will hold a telephone town hall with local business, labor, and workforce leaders to answer questions from Iowans in the First Congressional District regarding work and business impacts. Finkenauer wants to ensure Iowa families have the most up to date information.

To sign up to participate in Thursday’s telephone townhall, please visit https://finkenauer.house.gov/live

Who: Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, local business, labor, and workforce leaders

What: Coronavirus Employment and Economic Impact Telephone Town Hall

When: Thursday March 26th at 3:00 PM Central

Where: https://finkenauer.house.gov/live

Finkenauer also published a coronavirus informational page to help Iowans access important information regarding the global pandemic. The page is available at https://finkenauer.house.gov/coronavirus-information

Iowa SBA Funding Update

As we shared yesterday, the Iowa SBA webinar experienced many technical difficulties. Another session is scheduled for Thursday. I would suggest logging on early in an attempt to secure a spot.

Thursday, March 26, 2020 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Join at https://meet.lync.com/sba123/tdlentel/FKK1FR1Y
There will be a visual presentation.
You can join by audio only at (202) 765-1264 using ID# 480330157#

A recording of the Tuesday, March 24th webinar can be found here. 
Two important changes have taken place since the Tuesday webinar:
1. No tax returns require to be uploaded at the time of application regardless of size.
2. The SBA is not requiring personal assets used as collateral.