On Sunday, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported the first COVID-19 death of a Johnson County resident. According to the department, the deceased was between the ages of 61 and 80. IDPH reported seven other deaths from COVID-19 on Sunday. • Appanoose County, 1 elderly adult (81+) • Polk County, 2 older adults (61-80 […]
COVID-19
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn and Johnson Counties account for 30 percent of Iowa’s confirmed cases of COVID-19, as the state’s total reaches 786
The Iowa Department of Public Health reported on Saturday that 87 more Iowans have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the state’s total number of confirmed cases to 786.
Posted inCommunity/News
‘There are a lot of downsides to it’: Gov. Reynolds, IDPH attempt to explain shelter-in-place hold-out as cases near 700
One of the first things Gov. Kim Reynolds talked about at her Friday press conference on the state’s response to COVID-19 was her Thursday press conference. “At yesterday’s press conference, we shared additional information about the metrics we have been using to assess and guide our COVID-19 mitigation efforts here in Iowa,” Reynolds said. “And […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Health officials discuss coping with stress as you practice social distancing
It’s been almost a month since the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Iowa, and health experts are reminding individuals about the importance of focusing on mental health during the pandemic. School and business closures, working from home, disruption to a daily routine and staying inside are some of the things Iowans are having […]
Posted inCommunity/News
The Iowa Board of Medicine calls for Gov. Reynolds to issue a shelter-in-place order
The Iowa Board of Medicine voted on Friday to recommend that Gov. Kim Reynolds issue a statewide shelter-in-place order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The vote by the board, which issues licenses to physicians and regulates the practice of medicine in Iowa, was unanimous. “When you look at states that have implemented a shelter-in-place […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa Supreme Court extends order delaying the start of trials, Johnson County closes its courthouse to the public
On Thursday, the Iowa Supreme Court postponed almost all judicial proceedings in the state for at least two months. The court had previously ordered the delay of jury trials not yet underway on March 14, in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, and this new order extends the delay and expands the scope […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Leaf collection begins on Monday in Cedar Rapids, but with a change due to COVID-19
Cedar Rapids residents planning to rake their yards this weekend in preparation for spring cleaning are in luck — leaf collection begins on Monday, April 6. Residents can expect to have the leaf vacuum trucks come by their homes on their regular garbage day, unless trucks are slowed down by weather or volume. If that’s […]
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The metrics guiding Gov. Reynolds’ COVID-19 decisions revealed — and met with criticism
On Thursday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new public health emergency proclamation that extended the business closures and regulatory waivers in her previous proclamations through April 30. It also extends through the end of April a ban on “nonessential and elective” medical and dental procedures that use personal protective equipment. Reynolds, however, did not mention […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids police warn of COVID-19 scams, discuss closure enforcement; city closes more outdoor spots
The City of Cedar Rapids is closing additional outdoor facilities to limit the spread of COVID-19. Last week, the city announced playgrounds and outdoor exercise stations were temporarily closed. As of Thursday, Riverside Skate Park, basketball courts, tennis courts, sand volleyball and baseball fields are also closed. Signage has been posted at closed facilities, and […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Be a hero
Charlene Lange, Iowa City Growing up, we had actions figures. We created worlds where evil lurked and our hero saved the day. As we grew, we learned about action heroes in real life. A woman rushes a group to the next stop on the Underground Railroad. A politician defies pressure from constituents and saved 20,000 […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: The crisis within the crisis
By Crissy Canganelli, executive director, Shelter House There is no one this pandemic does not touch. Whether we feel its physical, economic, social and emotional effects depends on who and where we are, how and whether we can work, what social supports we require, what resources we can access, just how healthy we were to […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Watch: Downtown Iowa City during a pandemic
Despite the beautiful spring weather, the streets of downtown Iowa City were almost deserted on the first day of April, as people stayed home and practiced social distancing. Little Village gives you a glimpse of how downtown looks during the COVID-19 emergency.
