Polk County Reopening Precautions

Des Moines, IA- In light of the announcement of the reopening of businesses across Iowa, the Polk County Board of Supervisors and the Polk County Health Department remind residents that Central Iowa is still experiencing a surge of cases and to continue taking precautions to limit additional spread of COVID-19. Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy said “many businesses in Central Iowa are taking slow and methodical steps towards reopening in a manner that is safe for their employees and the public.” It is strongly recommended that residents continue to take the following safety precautions in order to protect yourself and loved ones from COVID:

• Stay home as much as possible and continue to limit errands to essential trips only and limit these trips to only one member per household.
• Continue to avoid crowded areas and practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.
• Wear a cloth face mask when in public at all times.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay home when sick and call your healthcare provider if you are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms.

Polk County will not reopen buildings to the public until July 1 and will continue to provide services online and by phone. Polk County’s top priority will remain the safety of employees and the public and will continue to evaluate the appropriate time to open Polk County buildings to the public based on the most current data and recommendations from the Polk County Health Department.

Polk County cases continue to rise and it is critical to continue practicing these precautions. Supervisor Angela Connolly added “when businesses are allowed to open, we should not simply resume pre-COVID-19 life. The elderly and people with pre-existing conditions remain at increased risk of death from COVID and it is the responsibility of everyone in our community to protect our most vulnerable residents.”

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