The public libraries in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion will resume curbside hold pick-up of library materials on Friday, May 22. The libraries, which are part of the Metro Library Network, are currently closed to the public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They are working on a “phased approach to reopening and providing […]
Linn County
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn County Public Health recommends a three-phase approach to reopening businesses
Linn County Public Health is recommending a phased reopening approach and has released guidance for businesses as additional establishments prepare to reopen. As part of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ most recent public health proclamation, restaurants, retail stores, tanning facilities, tattoo establishments and other selected businesses were permitted to reopen at 50 percent capacity starting on Friday, […]
Posted inCommunity/News
As Linn County reopens, Cedar Rapids businesses decide how to move forward
As an owner of a small business, Ashleigh Derby has had to make decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic she couldn’t have imagined. “I would have never thought in a million years I’d have to make these decisions, ever. Let alone in the first year of being open,” said Derby, who owns Dot and Dash Boutique […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Ten percent of Linn County’s Test Iowa tests are ‘inconclusive’
A total of 334 tests were conducted at Linn County’s Test Iowa site in the first four days it was operational, but at least 10 percent of those tests are inconclusive, county officials said at Wednesday’s Linn County Board of Supervisors meeting. The site in Linn County isn’t the only Test Iowa location where there […]
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
‘I need him alive’: Eastern Iowa advocates, families call for the release of men detained by ICE in Linn County jail over concerns of COVID-19
Immigrant rights advocates in eastern Iowa are calling for the release of three Guatemalan men who were detained by immigration officials on March 4 in Cedar Rapids and Marion. During a press conference in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday afternoon, members of the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (Iowa CCI) and the Iowa City Catholic Worker […]
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Businesses are faced with a tough decision as restrictions are relaxed in Linn County
After Gov. Kim Reynolds’ signed her most recent public health proclamation on Wednesday, certain Linn County businesses are faced with the decision on whether or not to reopen. As part of the proclamation, tanning salons, medical spas, campgrounds and drive-in movie theaters may reopen statewide. Dental procedures can resume, and golf course clubhouses can reopen […]
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
Linn County Fair cancels this year’s grounds, grandstand entertainment
Grounds and grandstand entertainment for this year’s Linn County Fair have been canceled in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Linn County Fair Association announced on Thursday. “After consulting with Linn County Public Health, the Linn County Board of Supervisors and other stakeholders, it was determined this was the best decision due […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Test Iowa site opening in Cedar Rapids on Thursday
Test Iowa is coming to Cedar Rapids earlier than expected. Originally, a soft opening was planned for May 11 and May 12, with full operations following that, but the timeline has been moved up. Test Iowa’s Cedar Rapids location will instead have a soft opening on Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8. The site […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn County reports increase in community spread of COVID-19; local officials preparing for a second wave of the virus
Linn County has seen an increase in community spread of COVID-19, Heather Meador, Linn County Public Health’s supervisor of Clinical Services, said during a press conference on Monday. More than half of the newly reported cases of the virus over the weekend were connected to community spread, according to Meador. “This is a clear indication […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids reopening two golf courses, extending closure of city buildings and transit
Cedar Rapids is reopening two of its golf courses, as well as its disc golf course. Gardner Golf Course will reopen on Friday, May 1, and Ellis Golf Course will reopen on Monday, May 4. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will reinstall baskets at the disc golf course next week. The city closed its […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Linn County begins to plan for what happens when neighboring counties reopen in May
Linn County isn’t one of the 77 counties where Gov. Reynolds is relaxing the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, but four counties it shares borders with are, so Linn officials are starting to consider what impact the changes the governor announced on Monday will have in their county. Starting on May 1, closed retail businesses and restaurants […]
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Ten cases of COVID-19 reported at ManorCare Health Services in Cedar Rapids
A third outbreak of COVID-19 at a long-term care facility in Linn County was reported on Thursday. ManorCare Health Services, a nursing home in Cedar Rapids, has 10 confirmed cases among its residents and staff, according to Linn County Public Health. Iowa currently has 12 long-term care facilities across the state experiencing outbreaks. The Iowa […]
