Last updated: 4/2/20 at 2:42 p.m.
The words: “COVID-19 Pandemic,” and “National Emergency,” can be incredibly scary sounding. The advantage we have in Iowa is education and common sense, so that we can protect ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our elderly, from the spread of the virus.
So far, there have been 614 confirmed cases of COVID-19. And, 11 deaths. (As of 4/2/20 at 12:30 p.m.)
The latest News from Governor Kim Reynolds.
The latest News from the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Need to file for unemployment in Iowa, due to COVID-19? Click here.
So, will this affect events in Iowa?
The short answer – Yes.
Here are just some of the places that are closing or postponing in Central Iowa:
Feeling anxiety, depression, or fear? These Mental Health Resources can help – just reach out.
Your rule should be, if you have plans, call ahead before you go, to make sure the event is still happening.
Continuing coverage of COVID-19 in Iowa at this link.
Preventing COVID-19:
In Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health has information about COVID-19, and the state’s response to the disease. The site also offers health information, and prevention ideas for you, your family, and your business. 
The 4 Rules to Prevent Illness:
- Wash Your Hands
- Cover Your Cough
- Stay Home if You Are Sick
- In fact, stay at home when you are not at work or picking up essentials.
Pretty basic. Also, wash your hands if you cough in them, or after you have blown your nose. Don’t shake hands. The Iowa head nod is good. Additionally, “social distancing” is your friend. That means staying 6 or more feet away from others in public spaces – it puts you at a safer distance if someone were to cough.
Treat your body with extra care, just as in flu season – follow the hygiene notes above, get plenty of sleep, and stay hydrated. All of these things lesson the chance of compromising your immune system with any virus.
For yourself, and the sake of others, do not go out in public if you have a fever. The current recommendation, from the Polk County Health Department, is that you can go back in public once your fever has been gone for 72-hours, without the help of a fever reducer such as Tylenol or Advil.
What if I am feeling sick?
Outside of Polk County? Please, see General Instructions below.
In Polk County Only: Think you have the symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus) – do NOT go to or call your doctor. Instead, Polk County Emergency Management asks that you call 2-1-1. The United Way Hotline – for Polk County – now has a Medical Coordination Center, staffed by nurses – from all three local health systems – who will take calls 7-days a week to “triage” or do a basic diagnosis based on symptoms and other information. By calling 2-1-1 instead of going to your doctor, you can avoid creating a backlog of patients, possibly spreading the disease or, if you are actually not sick with COVID-19, picking it up from someone who is.
Around Iowa: Your first call to check symptoms is 1-800-244-7431.
General Instructions: As with most viruses, COVID-19 can often be handled at home with rest, fluid, and over-the-counter fever relievers. The goal is to not flood emergency rooms. However, when both a fever – above 100.4 is considered a “real fever” for most, though it can be as low as 99.6 for seniors – and cough develop, it is a good idea to call for a symptoms check with a medical professional – please CALL your healthcare provider before going to their office.
Possible symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- And, in some cases nausea or digestive problems
Is it an emergency? If you have shortness of breath, an uncontrollable fever, weakness, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or inability to be woken, bluish lips or face, or lethargy, it will become necessary to see a doctor – these are signs of possible pneumonia, an infection that can turn dangerous or deadly. Call ahead to your doctor, if possible, to see where your doctor would like you to go. Some medical facilities have specific areas for potential COVID-19 cases.
DO NOT – Panic or Hoard
First, while a new virus strain can be scary, being educated can lessen stress and anxiety. To find out more, go to the experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
Second, there is no need to buy 50 rolls of toilet paper, a gallon of hand sanitizer, and every Clorox Wipes you can grab if you are in a small household or business. Panic buying leads to temporary shortages, which leads to anxiety, which leads to panic.
Instead, if you are truly out of T.P., grab the package you normally use – and leave some for others in your town. Also, if a store like Target or Wal-Mart is out of something, fear not, they are big companies, and there will be more. No need to panic.
Remaining calm during this crisis will actually help you be healthier, and help the community hang together, and come out on the other side stronger.
How to be a Good Iowa Neighbor
During this transitional time of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are feeling anxious, confused, and stressed. As some supplies seem low – don’t worry, they will be back (see above) – it can feel overwhelming. And, for some people, especially seniors whose demographic is, so far, internationally, affected at a higher rate by this coronavirus strain, it may cause them to freeze and not know how to manage – and that’s where true Iowa Nice comes in.
Please, if you have an elderly neighbor or friend, check on them. See if they need anything. Are they fearful to go out for supplies? Offer to go for them. Are they in need of medications? See if their pharmacy will deliver – many are now, for free.
Also, as many hourly workers are forced to stay home, due to businesses cutting hours, or if they do not have childcare during school closures, or seniors and other at-risk people who are staying home and unable to go to meal sites, food banks are in high demand. Please, give as you can. You can even donate online for the Food Bank of Iowa which serves 625 partner agencies across 55 Iowa counties.
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has also created a Disaster Fund. It will assist with unexpected needs in the community connected with the COVID-19 outbreak. You can give here to assist your neighbors and local businesses.
The way we truly face down any challenge in Iowa, and in America, is head-on, and with kindness. The more compassion we show during this outbreak the better chance we have to not just to recover, but to thrive.
