Community News Stories

News release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact: Morgan Hawk (319) 786-4040 | morganhawk@alliantenergy.com

Alliant Energy gives $1 million to Hometown Care Energy Fund Donation helps income-eligible customers in Iowa with energy costs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – April 9, 2020 – Alliant Energy (NASDAQ: LNT) is making a $1 million donation to its Hometown Care Energy Fund in Iowa. The fund assists customers that need financial help to pay their bill.

Alliant Energy knows that many customers may face financial hardship due to the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. This contribution shows Alliant Energy’s ongoing commitment to serve customers in Iowa and help those in need.

The Hometown Care Energy Fund is supported annually with funds from Alliant Energy shareowners, as well as voluntary contributions from employees, retirees and customers.

“We know that many customers need help paying their bill or may need additional help due to the pandemic,” said Linda Mattes, Vice President of Customer and IT Operations at Alliant Energy. “We are coming together with customers, employees, retirees and shareowners to help our neighbors.”

Alliant Energy partners with nonprofit organizations in Iowa to distribute the funds. Customers can review income eligibility requirements and apply for funding by contacting the Community Action Agency.

If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying a bill, visit the new Alliant Energy My Account site to set up a payment plan based on ability to pay. On My Account, customers can also set up fee-free credit card payments, review account information and report outages.

The contributions by Alliant Energy’s shareowners are not included in the rates charged to customers.

More information on the Hometown Care Energy Fund can be found at alliantenergy.com/hometown care.

For tips to reduce energy use and save money, Alliant Energy shares 10 tips.

Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 970,000 electric and 420,000 natural gas custom ers 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.

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Preventing Outbreaks
Businesses should implement measures to enable social distancing as much as possible.

• Consider staggering shifts to reduce worker population at any given time.
• Stagger breaks to reduce staff interactions.
• Review procedures to identify ways to increase the physical separation of staff.
• Businesses should prioritize hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette among employees.
• Businesses should provide or allow employees to wear their own homemade cloth facemasks.
• Businesses should provide hand sanitizer or handwashing opportunities as frequently as possible.

Detecting Outbreaks
Screen all employees by taking their temperature and assessing for cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing or any other respiratory symptom at the beginning and end of each shift. For a screening algorithm click here.

Exclude all employees reporting fever or respiratory symptoms (these cases will be directed to stay home and isolate themselves from other people and animals in the home) until they:

• 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.

Exclusion criteria must be followed with all symptomatic employees, regardless of whether the testing is completed (even if the employee tests negative for COVID-19 infection).

Please report to the Iowa Department of Public Health when 10% or greater of your employees are reporting COVID-19 symptoms (including fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, or any other respiratory symptom). Report to public health by filling out the survey at this link: https://redcap.idph.state.ia.us/surveys/?s=NRJ4FDMDPN

Managing Outbreaks
Coordinate with your occupational health provider to define a pathway to test symptomatic employees.

• Public health will approve State Hygienic Laboratory testing for symptomatic employees during outbreaks.
• The occupational health provider or employees’ personal health providers will be responsible for collecting the nasopharyngeal swab for testing and following-up for medical care as needed.

When employees test positive for COVID-19 infection, public health and occupational health will work jointly to investigate cases and identify the following contacts:

• household contacts,
• rideshare partners, and
• co-workers with prolonged contact (within 6 feet of the case for at least 30 minutes).

All of these contacts will be directed to stay at home and isolate themselves from other people and animals in the home for 14 days after the last known exposure to a person with COVID-19

Businesses should consider excluding high-risk employees when outbreaks are ongoing. High-risk employees would include:

• People aged 65 years and older
• People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have serious heart conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised
• Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
  • People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40)
  • People with diabetes
  • People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • People with liver disease

Business decisions to close, should be based upon workforce availability and the ability to follow the recommended measures outlined above.

* Outbreaks are defined as greater than 10% of employees ill with COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, or other respiratory symptoms)

To conserve our masks for use by our health care workers, we are asking that anyone entering Winneshiek Medical Center for an appointment, urgent or emergency care, or otherwise, wear their own mask, scarf or face covering. If you do not have anything that can cover your mouth and nose, we do have some masks at each screening area (Main Entrance and Emergency) for use. Thank you for your understanding.

Tips for Managing Electric Use During COVID-19

Cresco, IA | Rushford, MN (10 a.m. April 8, 2020)— As local families and businesses transition to remote-work and distance learning, they may see a surge in home energy use – and in upcoming electric bills.

“MiEnergy Cooperative understands the increased financial hardships facing families and businesses due to the economic impact of COVID-19,” said Brian Krambeer, president/CEO. “If you are having difficulty paying your electric bill, please give us a call so we can set up a payment plan. We will work through this together.”

Simple money-saving steps can help lower monthly electric bills without jeopardizing safety or comfort. It’s important for families to be mindful of their energy use and consider adjusting certain habits to avoid higher costs later on.

Recommended energy-saving tips include:

• Program your thermostat to maximize energy savings. Setting your thermostat one degree lower when heating or one degree higher when cooling can reduce energy use by up to 5%.
• Do full loads of laundry and wash with cold water. Using warm water instead of hot can cut a load’s energy use in half and using cold water will save even more.
• Air dry dishes.  This step can cut your dishwasher’s energy use by up to 50%.
• Substitute LEDs for conventional light bulbs. Lighting can amount to up to 12% of monthly energy use. LED bulbs can cut lighting costs by 75%.
• Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Small appliances and electronics use energy even when not in use. When powered on, game consoles, televisions and similar electronics are responsible for up to 12% of energy use.

The cooperative’s website, www.MiEnergy.coop, has online energy use guides available including 101 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money. Another tool for members of MiEnergy is SmartHub. Creating an account allows users to track their hourly, daily, monthly and yearly electric use. Find it online at www.MiEnergy.coop or search for SmartHub where apps are downloaded.

MiEnergy Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative and is the result of a merger between Hawkeye REC, of Cresco, Iowa and Tri-County Electric Cooperative, of Rushford, Minn. in 2017. It maintains 5,500 miles of power lines covering most of Fillmore, Houston and Winona counties in Minnesota and Chickasaw, Howard and Winneshiek counties in Iowa. The cooperative also serves small pockets bordering those counties. It provides electricity to more than 18,800 members in northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota. MiEnergy is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

April 7, 2020, 9:22 am | Tammy Jacobs

AMES, Iowa – Social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine: the changes from COVID-19 can be hard to handle. However, Iowans can turn to Iowa Concern for help, says Tammy Jacobs, coordinator for the long-time service from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. Iowa Concern provides access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics.

To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Or email an expert regarding legal, finance, stress, or crisis and disaster issues.

“All personal information given to Iowa Concern, whether on the hotline or through e-mail or live chat, is kept confidential,” Jacobs said.

She also suggests visiting Human Sciences Extension and Outreach’s “Finding Answers Now” website for additional information and resources on dealing with stress.

Social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine: the changes from COVID-19 can be hard to handle. Call Iowa Concern for help, 24/7. Connect with emotional support. Learn about your legal rights and find other assistance. Talk to a person who cares. Call Iowa Concern at 800-447-1985. That’s Iowa Concern at 800-447-1985.

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to steal money and personal information. Don’t let them.

• Hang up on robocalls.
• Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
• Verify information.
• Contact trusted sources to confirm information is correct. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.
• Know who you’re buying from.
• Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.
• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
• Do your homework.
• Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
• Protect Yourself Southern District of Iowa

If you believe you were a victim of a scam, call local law enforcement and file a complaint online or by phone:

Report Coronavirus Fraud

National Center for Disaster
Fraud (NCDF): 1-866-720-5721;
disaster@leo.gov
www.IC3.gov (cyber)
Additional Information
www.cdc.gov
www.coronavirus.gov
www.FDA.gov
ftc.gov/coronavirus
www.justice.gov/usao-sdia
Southern District of Iowa

Gundersen temporarily reduces staff due to COVID-19

Gundersen Health System is temporarily reducing staffing levels across its system through furloughs and reduction in hours for some staff. This decision will allow Gundersen to address the financial stress created by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and direct essential services and resources to an anticipated increase in COVID-19 care and treatment needs.

Specific numbers of staff who will be impacted by furloughs and reduced hours are not yet known. Gundersen will support impacted staff with all available resources.

“We have been intensely focused on the safety of our patients, visitors and staff,” said Gundersen chief executive officer Scott Rathgaber, MD. “We have planned for a potential surge in COVID-19 patients and worked to preserve our resources and supplies to be ready. We also cancelled elective and non-essential procedures and appointments to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 in our communities, conserve protective equipment, and ensure hospital capacity for the surge.”

While the organization is working on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19, Dr. Rathgaber explains Gundersen and the healthcare industry are not immune to the financial and economic stress caused by the global pandemic.

Depending on the Gundersen service and location, the organization has seen a 40 to 80% decrease in business operations due to, among other actions, the cancellation of procedures and appointments as a COVID-19 health and safety measure.

“Furloughs and reduced hours are clearly difficult actions. But these are temporary actions,” Dr. Rathgaber said. “We plan to bring staff back to fully serve the needs of our patients and communities when our procedures and appointments can safely return to normal operations.”

Gundersen remains extremely grateful for the community support and significant contributions to limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines. Individual actions contribute to a successful response to this unprecedented challenge.

Individuals with questions of a legal nature should call the COVID-19 Legal Information Hotline at 1-800-332-0419. It was developed in partnership with Iowa Legal Aid, the Iowa State Bar Association and the Polk County Volunteer Lawyer Project. The hotline can assist Iowans with business and compliance issues, eviction, denial of unemployment benefits, employment issues and other personal legal concerns. You will be asked to leave a message and someone will return your call.

Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission

Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings  where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

This recommendation complements and does not replace the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, 30 Days to Slow the Spread, which remains the cornerstone of our national effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. CDC will make additional recommendations as the evidence regarding appropriate public health measures continues to develop.

Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration, ordering additional closures

Mon, 04/06/2020 – 11:55

DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration, ordering additional closures and relaxing additional regulations to support the state’s efforts to combat COVID-19. The proclamation also calls on law enforcement to assist in the enforcement of these mitigation efforts. Gov. Reynolds discussed the new proclamation at her 11:00 a.m. press conference. View that press conference on her Facebook page here.

To encourage further social distancing and mitigation efforts, the proclamation orders additional closures effective at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7th until Thursday, April 30th:

• Malls
• Tobacco or vaping stores
• Toy, gaming, music, instrument, movie, or adult entertainment stores
• Social and fraternal clubs, including those at golf courses
• Bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades, and amusement parks
• Museums, libraries, aquariums, and zoos
• Race tracks and speedway.
• Roller or ice skating rinks and skate parks
• Outdoor or indoor playgrounds or children’s play centers
• Campgrounds

In addition, all unsolicited door-to-door sales are prohibited.

The following establishments and behaviors that are already prohibited:

• Mass gatherings as outlined in the proclamation below
• Restaurants and bars limited to carry out.
• Fitness centers
• Swimming pools
• 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.
• Medical spas
• Barbershops
• Tattoo establishments
• Tanning facilities
• Massage therapy establishments
• Theaters: All theaters or other performance venues at which live performances or motion pictures are shown shall continue to be closed.
• Casinos and gaming facilities:
• Other nonessential retail establishments outlined in the proclamation: 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.
  Senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities: All facilities that conduct adult
  day services or other senior citizen centers are hereby closed.
• Social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings
  and events of more than 10 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues,
  including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers
• Livestock auctions of food animals with more than 25 people and all other auctions
  with more than 10 people are prohibited.

The full text of the proclamation can be read below and viewed online:

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has reported an outbreak of thousands of cases of Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in multiple countries, causing illness and deaths; and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared a national public health emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency was issued to coordinate the State of Iowa’s response to this outbreak and such disaster continues to exist; and

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring that the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, a Proclamation of Public Health Disaster Emergency was issued to provide additional needed resources and measures to respond to this disaster, was extended on April 2, 2020, and such public health disaster continues to exist; and

WHEREAS, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 may be substantially reduced by temporarily closing certain additional public establishments, continuing the previous closures, and continuing to prohibit mass gatherings; and

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code § 123.30(3)(c) regarding sale of unopened containers of alcoholic beverages to patrons for consumption off premises by class “C” liquor control licensees would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and

WHEREAS, strict compliance with 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 would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state; and

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code §§ 123.30(3)(c) and 123.49(2)(d), prohibiting a class “C” liquor control license holder from selling mixed drinks or cocktails for consumption off premises, would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state.

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:

ADDITIONAL ESTABLISHMENT CLOSURES AND ORDERS SECTION ONE.
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 order the following additional closures and orders beginning at 8:00 a.m. on April 7, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020:

1. Malls: All enclosed malls shall be closed, including interior common areas and any retail establishment that only accessible to the public from the interior common areas. A retail establishment that may be directly accessed from outside the mall is not required to close by this paragraph.
2. Tobacco or vaping stores: All tobacco, cigarette, cigar, or vaping stores shall be closed.
3. Toy, gaming, music, instrument, movie, or adult entertainment stores: All toy, gaming, music, instrument, movie, or adult entertainment stores shall be closed.
4. Social and fraternal clubs: All social and fraternal clubs, including but not limited to American Legion or VFW posts, Elks Clubs, country clubs, and golf course clubhouses shall be closed, except that food and beverages may be sold if such food or beverages are promptly taken from the premises and a golf course clubhouse may also be open to the minimal extent necessary to facilitate use of the golf course provided appropriate social distancing practices are implemented.
5. Amusements: All bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades, and amusement parks shall be closed.
6. Museums, libraries, aquariums, and zoos: All museums, libraries, aquariums, and zoos shall be closed.
7. Race tracks: All race tracks and speedways shall be closed and shall not host any races, events, or other gatherings.
8. Skating rinks and parks: All indoor or outdoor roller or ice skating rinks and skate parks shall be closed.
9. Playgrounds: All outdoor or indoor playgrounds or children’s play centers shall be closed. This order does not apply to playgrounds in private residences or childcare facilities.
10. Campgrounds: All public and private campgrounds shall be closed to temporary recreational use. This order shall not prohibit the use of a campground by a long-term or permanent tenant who resides at the campground. All cabins and yurts in state parks shall also be closed to temporary residents.
11. Door-to-door sales: All unsolicited door-to-door sales and solicitations at all homes and residences is hereby prohibited.

CONTINUED BUSINESS CLOSURES SECTION TWO.
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 continue to extend the following orders until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020:

1. 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.
2. Fitness centers: All fitness centers, health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers shall continue to be closed.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Medical spas: All medical spas, as defined in Iowa Admin Code § 653-13.8(1), shall continue to be closed.
6. Barbershops: All Barbershops, as defined Iowa Code § 158.1, shall continue to be closed.
7. Tattoo establishments: All Tattoo establishments, as regulated by Iowa Code § 135.37, shall continue to be closed.
8. Tanning facilities: All tanning facilities, as defined by Iowa Code § 136D.2(5) shall continue to be closed.
9. 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.
10. Theaters: All theaters or other performance venues at which live performances or motion pictures are shown shall continue to be closed.
11. Casinos and gaming facilities: All casinos and other facilities conducting pari-mutuel wagering or gaming operations shall continue to be closed.
12. 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.
13. Senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities: All facilities that conduct adult day services or other senior citizen centers are hereby closed.

SECTION THREE.
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 FOUR.
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.

1. 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.
2. Planned large gatherings and e*vents must be canceled or postponed until after
   termination of this disaster.

SECTION FIVE. All auctions with more than 10 people present in person are hereby prohibited until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020, 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.

ENFORCEMENT BY PEACE OFFICERS SECTION SIX.
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.

SALES OF ALCOHOL EXTENSIONS SECTION SEVEN.
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 30, 2020.

SECTION 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 § 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 30, 2020.

SECTION NINE.
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 30, 2020.

IMPLEMENTATION AND INTERPRETATION SECTION TEN.
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 ELEVEN.
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 TWELVE.
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.

IOWA DNR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2020

Governor Reynolds orders campgrounds, cabins, yurts and playgrounds close temporarily

DES MOINES, Iowa — In a proactive effort to prevent further spread of Covid-19, this morning Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation closing all public campgrounds, cabins and yurts temporarily, as well as all outdoor playgrounds through April 30.

The proclamation goes into effect at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. Those with reservations will be contacted directly by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau.

State Parks, Forests and Preserves remain open during this time for day use opportunities, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups. Remember to stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and bring supplies from home including disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and other hygiene products. All restroom facilities, including pit latrines and port-a-potties, are closed until April 30 as well.

Governor Reynolds’ and the DNR’s top priority is the health and well-being of our visitors, volunteers and staff. Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time. We appreciate your support of the Department and our state parks as we all work together to keep everyone safe.

These closures will be reevaluated in the future to determine if an extension is necessary.

For more information on State Park closures visit: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-toGo/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures.For more information on what the Iowa DNR is doing to respond to Covid-19 and what is being impacted, visit: https://www.iowadnr.gov/AboutDNR/Covid-19.

Allamakee County Specific COVID-19 Statistics Through April 5, 2020

Total Cases to date                                                                    17

Cases Requiring Hospitalization                                            4

Deaths due to COVID                                                                1

Recovered/ Off Isolation                                                          13

Number of tests sent to State Hygienic Lab ***                  59

Number of negative tests processed at SHL                         42

Number of tests pending at SHL                                            3

***We are not able to track the number of negative tests done on Allamakee residents at reference labs such as Gundersen, Mayo, University of Iowa, etc… All positive tests done are reported to IDPH (Iowa Dept. of Public Health) who notifies Allamakee County Public Health to initiate follow up.

Recommendations for people with illness

DO NOT GO TO WORK OR LEAVE YOUR HOME IF YOU ARE ILL

Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is 3 full days of no fever without the use of fever reducing medications)
• Other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
• 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 a healthcare facility or you should try to recover at home.

• Remember to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds
• Maintain 6 ft distance between each other

Remember the virus can’t move if you don’t!

Let’s do what we can to keep Allamakee as safe as possible!

VMH Community & Home Care
40 1^st Street SE
Waukon, IA 52172

(563) 568-5660

DATE:  April 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Decorah Egg Hunt

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

Decorah Parks and Recreation encourages Decorah households and businesses to participate in the Decorah Egg Hunt Monday, April 6 thru Sunday, April 12 by creating and hanging eggs in their windows and storefronts.

Participants are invited to be creative! Eggs can be paper, cardboard, colored, large, small, or even plastic eggs hanging from a string. The goal is for eggs to be seen by walkers and those passing by in their vehicles to create a fun community-wide event in lieu of our annual Egg Hunt that has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

We hope you’ll join us in hanging eggs in windows as well as taking a walk (or drive) outside to search for eggs in your neighborhood and the Decorah community.

Use #DecorahEggHunt to share your creations with us on social media.

Optional picture attached.

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.

In March, Gundersen Medical Foundation’s Microbiology Research Laboratory developed a test that detects coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The test allows Gundersen to produce results in-house for patient testing for COVID-19, reducing the wait time for test results from days to hours.

In addition to this work, Gundersen Medical Foundation’s cancer research team, led by Paraic Kenny, PhD, quickly re-tasked its cancer genome sequencing equipment to focus on COVID-19. Their efforts help to better understand the COVID-19 infections in the La Crosse region and how they relate to the global pandemic.

Dr. Kenny and his team received Institutional Review Board approval to use specimens left over after standard COVID-19 testing is completed and successfully sequenced the complete viral genomes of six of the earliest cases of COVID-19 in La Crosse County.

“At the most basic level, the virus makes occasional ‘spelling mistakes’ when it copies its genome during infection and these mutations are faithfully carried in all subsequent infections by that particular virus,” Dr. Kenny said. “By sequencing the whole viral genome, we have been able to map the different COVID-19 strains currently in La Crosse County. This allows us to go far beyond positive and negative test results to better understand how the virus spreads within our community and healthcare system.”

Gundersen is now contributing to an international effort to understand how the virus evolves as it spreads. Early data have allowed documentation of multiple independent arrivals of different strains of the virus in La Crosse. Several viruses sequenced share molecular fingerprints with viruses that arrived directly in Washington state from China, while others have their origins in strains circulating in France in late-February. The team has also confirmed community spread of one sub strain.

Dr. Kenny’s ability to rapidly profile new cases of the virus may help La Crosse County’s Department of Public Health and Gundersen’s Infectious Disease teams to map how this virus is spreading among individuals in our community.

“The project will help us understand patterns of cluster seeding and spread in the community,” Dr. Kenny said. “By tracking and mapping the sources of individual sub-strain infections, we can quickly understand weak points leading to healthcare worker infection to try to mitigate them and prevent transmission to other staff and patients.”

Use of Homemade Gowns for Patient Care when Commercially produced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is Unavailable
April 5, 2020
The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and there is now widespread community transmission across Iowa. There is
a national shortage of PPE, and public and private officials are working to address national and global supply challenges.
Due to the current limitations on PPE, there may come a time during this response when commercially manufactured
gowns are no longer readily available. If commercially-produced gowns are no longer available, healthcare workers can
use homemade cloth gowns during patient care activities. These homemade gowns are not considered PPE since their
ability to protect against COVID-19 has not yet been studied, however if they are the only protection available, they
should be used.
Health care facilities who choose to receive local donations from Iowans should plan for a drop site and provide
direction to volunteers that prevents entry into the health care facility.
Guidance for use of homemade gowns:
• Care should be taken to ensure that HCP do not touch outer surfaces of the gown during care. Reusable (i.e.,
washable) gowns are typically made of polyester or polyester-cotton fabrics.
• Gowns made of these fabrics can be safely laundered according to routine procedures and reused.
• Laundry operations and personnel may need to be augmented to facilitate additional washing loads and cycles.
• Systems should be established to routinely inspect, maintain (e.g., mend a small hole in a gown, replace missing
fastening ties), and replace reusable gowns when needed (e.g., when they are thin or ripped).
Gowns should be prioritized for the following activities:
• During care activities where splashes and sprays are anticipated, which typically includes aerosol generating
procedures.
• During the following high-contact patient care activities that provide opportunities for transfer of pathogens to
the hands and clothing of healthcare providers, such as:
o Dressing, bathing/showering, transferring, providing hygiene, changing linens, changing briefs or
assisting with toileting, device care or use, wound care.
Surgical gowns should be prioritized for surgical and other sterile procedures.
For additional guidance for the use of homemade isolation gowns for extended use and re-use visit the following CDC
website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/isolation-gowns.html

COVID-19 Guidance on “Drive-In” Worship
Issued: 4/4/2020
Does Governor Reynolds’s order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people prohibit a church from conducting a drivein worship service?
No. People may gather in their vehicles, so long as those attending the service abide by the following measures:
 All persons attending the service must drive up in an enclosed vehicle and remain in that same vehicle during the
entire service. Individuals cannot get out of their vehicle during the service for any reason.
 All vehicle windows, sunroofs and convertible tops must remain closed during the entire service.
No more than 10 people may be in a single vehicle.
People in a single vehicle should be limited to members of the same household who have already been in close
contact with each other and are not sick.
A church hosting a drive-in worship service should take appropriate measures to ensure compliance, including
having church officials or law enforcement available.
Is it safe to distribute food, beverages, communion or other materials?
 No. Food, beverages, communion or other materials should not be distributed before, after or as part of the
service.
Is it safe to collect offering or financial gifts in person?
 Offering should not be collected by ushers going vehicle-to-vehicle or other methods that require in-person
interaction.
 If a church decides it is necessary to collect a physical offering, the safest manner would be a drop-box while
vehicles are leaving the service. Accepting online donations is the best practice.

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/#/

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(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.

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(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.”

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(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/

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(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.