Living under public health emergency

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Legislators are receiving regular updates from state officials on coronavirus COVID-19 within Iowa.

Since community transmission was identified within our state, we have entered a new chapter in the fight against the pandemic.

We are all now learning to live under a public health emergency. It is critical that you and your family take steps to engage in “social distancing” to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and “flatten the curve.”

At this time, I am doing my absolute best not to spend time with people who are elderly and/or who may have compromised immune systems, and I encourage you to do the same. Until we have widespread testing available (and unfortunately, that may still be weeks away here in the United States), it can be difficult for people to truly know whether or not they are carrying the virus.

It is normal to be concerned, so I will work diligently to keep you posted on cases of COVID-19 and the state’s response.

Many of you may be interested in a new Iowa Small Business Relief Program. It was specially created to address our current crisis by providing $5,000 to $25,000 grants to businesses with 2-25 employees. It also allows all Iowa businesses to defer sales and use or withholding taxes, and waives penalty and interest. Apply by noon on March 31 at iowabusinessrecovery.com.

The legislature has suspended session for 30 days as a public health and safety measure, but rest assured, I am still working for you. Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.

Iowa Senate Democrats have established a webpage with emergency resources and information from key state offices, department and agencies at wp.me/p8aBRy-7oW. We will continue updating the page as new details become available.

To contact Sen. Wahls, who represents the people of Senate District 37 in Cedar County, portions of Johnson County, and Wilton in Muscatine County, when the legislature is in session, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371, or email him at zach.wahls@legis.iowa.gov.

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