To protect the health and safety of Linn County employees and the public, Linn County is extending the closure of most County facilities to the general public through April 30, 2020. This extension aligns with Governor Reynold’s proclamation extending statewide closures and prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 or more people. The closure date may be modified as needed.
Despite the closure, County staff are still working behind the scenes to help ensure minimal disruption to public services during this time. County staff and services remain available via phone, email, and online. Contact information for all County departments is available at LinnCounty.org.
Closures include these County buildings:
- Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center
- Community Services Building – including Options of Linn County
- Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building – with the exception of the Child Development Center as the Iowa Department of Human services is not recommending closure of childcare facilities at this time
- Juvenile Detention and Diversion Services
- Secondary Road Department
- Wickiup Hill Learning Center
- Linn County Sheriff’s Office; the Civil Division will continue to serve legal processes and the Patrol Division will continue to respond to emergency and routine calls for service.
- LIFTS – office is closed to the public; however, routes are still running for essential needs. Fares are waived and the number of riders will be limited during each route.
Exceptions:
- The Linn County Child Development Center will remain open as the Iowa Department of Human services is not recommending closure of childcare facilities at this time.
- Linn County Courthouse – normal operating hours; however, restrictions are in place that limit entry to the courthouse
- Juvenile Justice Center (Juvenile Courthouse) – normal operating hours
Linn County continues to work with our partners to help ensure the health and safety of our community during this time. Linn County Public Health (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 in response to COVID-19.
Linn County officials urge all residents to do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying home except for essential reasons, maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet between themselves and others, and washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Doing so will help to reduce the spread of the virus, ease the burden on our hospital and healthcare system, and protect those most vulnerable in our community.
Please visit Linn County’s website LinnCounty.org/COVID-19 for local updates and related information.
A public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-469-2211.