The City of Iowa City Government would like to stress that its residents stay calm, stay informed, and stay home if possible while the city, county, and state address the spread of COVID-19.
City of Iowa City staff has been in daily conversation with local government partners, including Johnson County Public Health, regarding preparation for and minimizing impacts of COVID-19 in our community. The City is tracking all developments related to this illness and following recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH).
“As is with any situation, the health and well-being of our residents is the lead determinant in any decision the City would make related to COVID-19,” Mayor Bruce Teague said. “We thank the hardworking public employees and public servants at Johnson County and the State health departments for keeping us well informed on a daily basis.”
In addition to monitoring information from the IDPH, the City’s focus remains the continuity of critical operations: the police and fire departments, providing clean water, sewer services. Changes in operating schedules, cancellations, or other alterations to City operations and facilities will be communicated as circumstances evolve.
Community members seeking information and status updates related to City facilities, operations, and events may choose to subscribe at www/icgov.org/subscribe.
The City has gathered resources on our website, icgov.org/Coronavirus. Below is some basic information and guidance as provided by the Centers for Disease Control.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads from person to person, mainly through coughs and sneezes of infected people or between people who are in close contact.
COVID-19 Symptoms
If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19, call ahead before visiting a medical facility so they can prepare. Do not go to an emergency room with mild symptoms.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
Call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms and have:
- been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, or
- recently traveled from an area with ongoing community spread
CDC has a factsheet with more information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.
Take precautionary measures
- Frequent hand washing for 20 seconds or more, using soap and water or hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue or your elbow.
- If you are sick, please avoid contact with others until all symptoms have cleared for a minimum of 24 hours.
Prevention of COVID-19 is the same as that for other respiratory illnesses (like flu). These actions don't just protect you. They help keep our whole community safe, especially our most vulnerable residents, by slowing the spread of the disease.
The Center for Disease Control has provided recommendation to stop the spread of germs.
Social Distancing
Currently a vaccine or drug is not available for COVID-19. Community-based interventions such as event cancellations, social distancing, and creating employee plans to work remotely can help slow the spread of COVID-19. The CDC website has recommendations to slowing the transmission of COVID-19.
Pay your City utilities, parking citations and other Iowa City bills on the web. Our easy online payment options can eliminate an unnecessary trip to City Hall.
Travel advisories
Several countries are experiencing rapid community spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends avoiding all nonessential travel to these countries. If you have trips planned, check the latest CDC travel guidelines.
Stay informed
Avoid misinformation by following the following trusted sources:
- The State of Iowa has opened its 211 hotline as the central resource for those with questions.
- The Iowa Department of Public Health provides up-to-date information regarding this virus on their website, as well as guidance for businesses, schools, healthcare, long-term care, general public, and travelers.
- The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics website provides information and resources regarding COVID-19 preparation and response.
- The Center for Disease Control has a dedicated summary of the virus, including symptoms, risk assessment, and preventative measures.