Johnson County Mayors Urge Residents to Stay Home and Limit Non-essential Activities to Slow Spread and Support Local Healthcare Workers

After continued consultation with local medical, public health and emergency management officials, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague, Coralville Mayor John Lundell and North Liberty Mayor Terry Donahue urge residents to take all necessary precautions to stay healthy in effort to assist our local healthcare providers as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The around-the-clock effort of the staff at our local hospitals is nothing short of heroic,” said Mayor Lundell. “It is absolutely imperative that the community do everything within our ability to assist the doctors, nurses, and support staff on the frontline of this crisis.”

Among the measures being promoted by the coalition of mayors and the local healthcare community are:

• Strict adherence to Governor Reynolds’ Proclamation of Disaster Emergency including limiting any gatherings to groups of 10 or less, as well as her guidance of 14-day self-isolation for those that have recently traveled out-of-state for business or spring break vacations
• Awareness of social distancing practices and maintaining separation of six feet or more
• Frequent handwashing and strictly followed disinfecting routines in homes and businesses
• Use of available telemedicine options, including calling your physician should you have non-emergent flu or upper respiratory symptoms prior to accessing services at a hospital

“As hospital resources are stressed at this critical time, it is important that the public remain calm and seek guidance from healthcare providers in a remote manner whenever possible,” said Mayor Donahue.

Additionally, Mayor Teague is urging all Johnson County residents to strictly limit trips outside of the home to the most essential needs. “Social distancing and staying in place, is undoubtedly the number one thing that our residents can do to slow the spread and allow our healthcare professionals to effectively manage this crisis,” said Mayor Teague. “I strongly recommend that everyone limit their trips outside of their home and isolate in place as much as possible for the next two weeks.”

All three communities have previously taken steps to close public facilities, stop programming and public events, and limit opportunities for public interaction. Mayor Teague is taking additional action by directing Iowa City’s City Manager to implement a change in staffing practices so that all employees supporting non-essential services can work from home through April 12, 2020. The change in staffing practices will be implemented by Tuesday, March 24. The Mayor urges other area businesses that have not already done so to consider similar steps to help slow the spread of the virus.

Our mayors thank the public for adhering to these important guidelines and remind the them that the latest public health guidance can be accessed at cdc.gov/coronavirus and idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus. Residents can also call the statewide COVID-19 hotline at 211.