Linn County is taking steps to prepare for the potential of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Linn County. Currently, there are no cases of COVID-19 in Linn County. However, Linn County is following the recommendation of Public Health officials to proactively prepare for and mitigate spread of COVID-19.
Linn County Public Health (LCPH), a department within Linn County government, is leading the response within Linn County. The department has enacted a limited Incident Command structure that coordinates public information and planning with local, state, and federal partners. This is part of the ongoing planning and systems that public health partners have in place to respond and prevent spread of disease. LCPH is working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local public and private partners to monitor and prepare for potential cases and plan to mitigate spread of COVID-19.
In addition to the work of LCPH, Linn County has initiated its continuity of operations plan, which includes designating the County’s Risk Manager as the Continuity Operations Officer. This initiates a plan for the Continuity Operations Officer to work with County officials to discuss operational continuity of County departments, procure resources as needed, and identify operational decisions that need to be made and present them to the Board of Supervisors.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office also has a preparedness plan in place that was created in consultation with LCPH. The plan addresses safeguards to maintain the health and safety of inmates in the Linn County Correctional Center and deputies.
The County has also provided employees with best practices for reducing the spread of illness, including washing hands frequently, staying home when ill, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
As a proactive measure, the Linn County Board of Supervisors will have a standing agenda item for COVID-19 updates as part of the regularly scheduled Monday meetings at 10 a.m. at the Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors will continue to keep in contact with Linn County Public Health to stay informed about any updates in guidance related to COVID-19.
It is important to get information from COVID-19 from trusted sources. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit these websites:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization