March 2020

Linn County’s Response to Coronavirus

Linn County officials are actively following the latest developments on the coronavirus (COVID-19) infectious disease outbreak to ensure the health and safety of our community and to help ensure the actions we are taking are in line with the latest recommendations and guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Linn County Public Health, a department within Linn County government, is working closely with IDPH, the CDC, as well as local public officials and private partners to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Our number one priority is protecting the health and safety of our community.

To assist with communication regarding COVID-19, Linn County has created a dedicated informational webpage at LinnCounty.org/COVID-19. The webpage is updated frequently with important information relating to this public health threat.

Linn County is also posting regular updates on our social media channels:

Linn County Public Health Facebook
Linn County Public Health Twitter
Linn Couny Facebook
Linn County Twitter

To protect the health and safety of Linn County employees and the general public, and to slow the spread of COVID-19, most Linn County facilities are closed to the general public. The closure is scheduled through April 7, which may be modified if necessary. Despite the closure, we are still hard at work behind the scenes and County services remain operational and available to the public either online or via phone or email. Departments are making efforts to ensure minimal disruption to public services during this unprecedented time. Contact information for all County departments is available at LinnCounty.org.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. It’s important to stay informed and get information 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

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 1-800-244-7431.

Together, we can flatten the curve.

Practice Social Distancing

We cannot stress enough that maintaining social distancing is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Even young, otherwise healthy adults are at risk of contracting COVID-19, and their actions can increase the risk for others. Following the guidelines from the CDC will help slow community spread of the virus.

Follow these guidelines:

Keep at least 6 feet between you and others.
AVOID SOCIAL GATHERINGS in groups of more than 10 people
IF YOU FEEL SICK, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
IF YOUR CHILDREN ARE SICK, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.
IF SOMEONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAS TESTED POSITIVE for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
IF YOU ARE AN OLDER PERSON, stay home and away from other people.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A SERIOUS UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITION that can put you at increased risk, stay home and away from other people.
Work or engage in schooling FROM HOME whenever possible.
IF YOU WORK IN A CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employer should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
USE DRIVE-THRU, PICKUP, OR DELIVERY OPTIONS to eat from local restaurants.
AVOID DISCRETIONARY TRAVEL, shopping trips, and social visits.
DO NOT VISIT nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.

Property Tax Payment Extension

On March 20, Governor Reynolds announced the temporary suspension of penalties and interest for delayed property tax payments until April 16, 2020. Late interest and penalty on property tax payments will apply beginning April 17.

Property taxes may be paid online at Iowataxandtags.org. We also have a dropbox outside of the Public Service Center at 935 2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids where payments can be deposited. Be sure to include your contact information with the business you are dropping off so we may contact you with questions.

County Home Road Improvement Project

County Home Road will soon be under construction from N Center Point Road to the bridge over Indian Creek 1/2 mile west of Highway 13. Construction improvements include concrete paving, the addition of right and left turn lanes, and single lane roundabouts at the C Avenue Extension and Alburnett Road intersections.

Visit our website for more information, detour maps, and the phasing plan.

Remember to Respond to the 2020 Census

2020 census letters have been sent and we want all residents to participate in this important civic event. The census, conducted once every 10 years, is the constitutionally-required count of every person living in the United States. It asks questions about all the people who live and sleep in a household as of April 1, 2020 - including babies and anyone staying in the household who has no other permanent place to stay.

Your Participation Matters
The Census determines how many representatives Iowa gets in Congress and which states get billions of dollars in federal funding for roads, health care, low-income programs and other projects. It's important for every person to be counted!

How to Respond
Every household in America has received a letter in the mail with information on how to respond. You can respond to the census by phone, mail, or online.

It's Safe
Your responses are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way.

Learn More
For more information and to respond: https://2020census.gov.

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@LinnCoConserv

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