POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, Iowa - The Pottawattamie County COVID-19 Response Task Force met Tuesday, March 17.

Governor Reynolds declared a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency as of 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17. All of Pottawattamie County should adhere to the temporary measures as listed in the proclamation.

As stated in the declaration, it takes significant steps to require social distancing and limit community spread of the virus by implementing temporary measures including moving restaurants to drive-through, carry-out, and delivery only and closures of certain entities such as bars, casinos, and recreational facilities.

Being part of the State of Iowa and the Omaha, Nebraska metro area, the task force is evaluating all of the effects of community spread of the COVID-19 virus in order to make recommendations and take proactive steps to flatten the curve.

According to Pottawattamie County Public Health, Pottawattamie County remains at one individual positive case of COVID-19. Additionally, seven people are self-quarantining, and one person is self monitoring. All other COVID-19 tests in Pottawattamie County have been negative. Updated state totals, listed by county, are posted on the Iowa Department of Public Health website.

To ensure public safety within the hospitals, Methodist Health System and CHI Health have implemented strict visitor restrictions including limiting 1-2 visitors per patient, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to visit, visitors will be screened at the front door and may be asked to put on a mask, visitors showing symptoms will not be allowed in, and access to the hospitals has been limited to two entrances.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and the task force recommends people stay home as often as possible, increase social distancing efforts, and practice excellence hygiene and disinfectant practices. The goal is to prevent a huge spike in the number of people getting sick simultaneously and flatten the curve of infection.

COVID-19 Resources:

Pottawattamie County EMA COVID-19

Iowa Department of Public Health

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

COVID-19 Hotlines:

Methodist Health System is offering a community hotline and screening tool at 402-815-SICK (7425).

CHI Health has a help line to answer questions and direct patients who may be at high risk of the coronavirus illness. Visit here for information.

Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency has COVID-19 Call Center open M-F from 8am-4pm. 712-890-5368 or 712-890-5369.

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