Editor:
Cedar County residents are amazingly resilient! Over the past couple of weeks, many of you have worked together to solve problems and overcome challenges that have been presented by the COVID-19 virus. You have been patient as plans were developed and understanding as those plans have been adapted. This spirit of community will carry us through this uncertain time.
Please remember that the most important thing each one of you can do at this time is to practice social distancing. Limiting physical contact with others will slow down the spread of COVID-19, which will prevent us from overwhelming our healthcare system and save lives. Additional ideas for helping your community include:
• If you are sick, stay home! If you have severe symptoms which require a healthcare provider, please call ahead for instructions to avoid infecting others.
• If you are not sick, stay home except for required hours at work and essential errands such as purchasing groceries and filling prescriptions.
• When shopping for yourself, offer to pick up items for someone in a high-risk category so they can minimize their risk of exposure.
• Support local businesses by purchasing merchandise, take-out food, or gift certificates online or by phone.
• Donate to local organizations that may struggle due to restrictions on services or limited availability of resources.
• If you have personal protective equipment such as masks or gowns, consider donating it to medical professionals.
• Provide childcare for friends and family who are filling essential roles in healthcare, the grocery industry, public utilities, etc.
• If you are asked to volunteer, be sure to follow social distancing guidelines. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others and work in groups of fewer than 10 people.
• If possible, work from home and conduct business and meetings electronically.
• If you have recently traveled outside of Iowa it is strongly recommended that you self-isolate for 14 days.
• Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and cover your cough.
• Avoid gatherings with others that are not a part of your household. Please do not hold parties or gatherings during this time.
If you have questions, please remember to go to a trusted source such as Cedar County Public Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, or the CDC so that you receive accurate information. Local updates are also available at www.cedarcountycovid19.org
Bonnie Butler,
Cedar County Public Health
Jodi Freet,
Cedar County Emergency Management Agency