During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, health experts warned Linn County residents that if cases of COVID-19 continue to increase as rapidly as they have been, hospitals will become overwhelmed in the next two to three weeks. Linn County saw its first confirmed cases of the new coronavirus on Saturday, March 21. In less […]
Izabela Zaluska
Posted inCOVID-19
Volunteers have sewn nearly 2,000 cloth masks for Mercy Cedar Rapids
In an effort to conserve and extend the supply of masks and other personal protective equipment, hospitals in Iowa and around the country are asking for help from people who can sew — and sewists (or sewers, depending on which term you prefer) have stepped up to the challenge. Mercy Cedar Rapids, Mercy Iowa City […]
Posted inCommunity/News
UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids opens respiratory illness clinic
UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids has opened a clinic dedicated to assisting patients with respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Starting Wednesday, UnityPoint Westside Urgent Care, 2375 Edgewood Rd SW, will only see patients with respiratory symptoms, including fever, cough and difficulty breathing. The urgent care clinic in Hiawatha is also closed because staff will be working […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Another Linn County resident tests positive for COVID-19; Cedar Rapids closes its playgrounds
On Wednesday morning, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, including six in Johnson County and one in Linn County. The new cases bring the state’s total number of Iowans who have tested positive for the disease to 145. The new case in Linn County means […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘This question is on everyone’s mind’: Linn County, Cedar Rapids officials weigh issuing a local shelter-in-place order
Gov. Kim Reynolds has repeatedly said the state is not ready to issue a shelter-in-place, even though the governors of neighboring states like Illinois and Wisconsin have issued such orders. “At this point we are not in a place where we would order a shelter-in-place or a stay-at-home,” Reynolds said during her Monday press conference […]
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
Cedar Rapids Transit will suspend services starting Wednesday
City of Cedar Rapids Transit is suspending its fixed-route transit service, effective Wednesday, as an additional measure to limit the spread of COVID-19. “Suspending a service like transit is a very difficult decision for a city and for a community, but it’s one we must make in order to help prevent a possible spike in […]
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
Linn County Supervisors approve paid leave for county employees due to COVID-19
The Linn County Board of Supervisors passed temporary employment policies for the county’s workers on Monday, including paid leave, as a result of COVID-19. The temporary policy also ensures “the continuity of Linn County government services.” Most county buildings have closed to the public, but people can contact Linn County departments by phone or email. […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa’s prisons and jails make for ‘a perfect storm for outbreaks of COVID-19’
As Iowans — and people around the country — are grappling with changes to their daily lives, jails and prisons are facing their own challenges keeping staff and inmates safe. Practicing social distancing, staying home and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people are recommendations Gov. Kim Reynolds has been stressing to Iowans, as the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn County declares a state of disaster emergency
The Linn County Board of Supervisors declared a State of Disaster Emergency on Thursday. The declaration activates the disaster response and recovery aspects of the county’s comprehensive emergency plan. It also recognizes that a civil emergency exists in each of the county’s municipalities. “It will increase our ability to respond and address the health and […]
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
Iowa DOT temporarily waives need to renew drivers licenses and vehicle registration
The Iowa Department of Transportation announced it is temporarily waiving the need to renew drivers licenses and vehicle registration, after Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a “State of Public Health Disaster Emergency” on Tuesday. Drivers with a license that expired on Jan. 17 or later do not have to renew their licenses at this time. Similarly, […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Owners of Eco Lips and Cedar Ridge Winery make hand sanitizer to give away for free during coronavirus crisis
Hand sanitizer is in high demand, with stores in Iowa and across the country experiencing shortages as people stock up to protect themselves from COVID-19. Seeing the community need for the product, business owner Steve Shriver and Dr. Ryan Sundermann decided to pair up with Jeff Quint, owner of Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery to make more.
Posted inCommunity/News
Eight schools around Cedar Rapids will have breakfast and lunch available for students to pick up
The Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) is implementing a nutrition plan starting on Monday, March 23, Superintendent Noreen Bush said. Students will be able to pick up two free meals at eight schools around the city. Students 18 years old or younger can pick up breakfast and lunch meals from 10:30 a.m. to 1 […]
