Mayor Bruce Teague declared a Civil Emergency in Iowa City due to the dangers presented by COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus.

The declaration gives Mayor Teague additional measures to maintain health, welfare, and safety within the community. 

One measure enacted gives the Iowa City Police Department the ability to, by criminal citation or arrest, enforce Governor Kim Reynold's State of Emergency orders, which includes:

• The closing of bars and restaurants, besides delivery or to-go services
• The closing of theaters and other event spaces
• The banning of all social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings of more than 10 people. 

The declaration also gives City Manager Geoff Fruin, or his designee, the power to purchase or lease goods and services to help further the response to COVID-19 without the City's standard competitive procurement procedure. 

The City's declaration comes after both the State of Iowa and Johnson County declared a State of Emergency related to COVID-19. 

Mayor Teague signed the proclamation on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18, 2020. To read the entire proclamation, visit the City's website.