In response to an alarming spike in the number of COVID-19 cases reported over the last two consecutive weeks, largely among 18 to 40 year olds and particularly among a smaller subset of younger adults, ages 19-24, Linn County’s business community was among several other counties in Iowa impacted by enhanced mitigation measures. While these additional mitigation measures effect local business, the impact will be more severe if basic mitigation strategies are not strictly followed explains Tricia Kitzmann, Community Health Division Manager at Linn County Public Health.
“We support our local business community in Linn County. If basic mitigation strategies such as keeping a physical distance and wearing a mask in public are not strictly followed, additional closures will continue to impact area businesses. We need our community’s help in supporting our local businesses by doing everything we can to help keep them open,” asserts Kitzmann. Basic mitigation strategies that help keep our community healthy, our most vulnerable safe, and our businesses open by slowing community spread of COVID-19 include:
- Maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others outside of your household, when possible
- Wearing a cloth face covering or mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow
- Staying home when ill, no matter how mild the illness
- Frequently disinfecting used items and surfaces as much as possible
Linn County Public Health thanks all residents and visitors who remain vigilant in these basic mitigation practices. At this time, additional mitigation measures outlined in last weeks’ proclamation by Governor Kim Reynolds remain in effect until September 20, 2020. This proclamation of disaster emergency directs:
- All bars, taverns, wineries, breweries, distilleries, night clubs, and other establishments that sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on their premise must be closed to the general public, except for carry-out
- Restaurants generating more than 50% of their revenue from food sales must stop selling and serving alcoholic beverages after 10:00 p.m
- Food establishments must ensure physical distancing between each group or individual dining alone
- All Iowans, 2 or older, are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or other face covering when in public settings, especially in circumstances when it is not possible to remain 6 feet from others outside of the household
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Linn County Public Health, an agency within Linn County government, serves more than 225,000 residents of Linn County to prevent disease and injury, promote healthy living, protect the environment, and ensure public health preparedness. Learn more at linncounty.org/health or by calling 319-892-6000. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LCPublicHealth and follow us on Twitter @LCPublicHealth.