Britt and Garner release statements on COVID-19 situation

            Cities in Hancock County have released statements in light of developments in the COVID-19 situation over the past week.

            The City of Garner released a statement on Monday detailing its public safety committee’s plan to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

            The Veteran Memorial Recreation Center will be closed for a week starting on Tuesday, March 17.

            City Administrator Adam Kofoed will make another statement on Sunday at 4 p.m. as to whether the VMRC will stay closed for an additional week.

            The VMCR will start it’s deep cleaning week during this closure.

            Normally, deep cleaning is done during the week of July 4.

            The city also announced the “Skip the Trip” program where citizens are encouraged to call 641-923-2588 and drop off utility bills in their drop box.

            “City Hall will remain open but for individuals not wanting to step inside City Hall we can still provide services to you,” the statement said.

            The city will also recommend organizations, groups and businesses to practice social distancing.

            “If recommendations from the Governor or the Iowa Department of Health become more restrictive, our City plan includes the possibility of closing City Hall to the public,” the statement continued.

            In the case of that happening, payments can be placed in the outside drop box or a citizen can pay by phone with a credit card.

            City staff will continue to work, answer phones and keep the city running during this closing.

            Any questions had can be directed to City Administrator Adam Kofoed at 641-923-2588

            The City of Britt released a statement on Thursday in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.

            Mayor Ryan Arndorfer participated in a conference call with the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on March 4 to discuss what communities should do to prepare.

            The city has enacted its pandemic plan and has been in contact with Hancock County Health Systems, the Summit House, Westview Care Center and the West Hancock Community School District to ensure each has a plan in place.

            As of that statement, the city office will remain open.

            If access to city hall is limited due to health risks, payments can be placed in the outside drop box or made online.

            Staff will continue to answer phones and keep the city running.

            The municipal room in city hall will be closed till April 1st, all events scheduled for the room have been cancelled.

            The Britt Public Library is open for now, but will close if directed to by the city or mandated from state or government health organizations.

            Library materials are being check out for 30 days and all library programs have been cancelled.

            “The current coronavirus situation in Iowa is fluid, and much of the information being provided by the media and online is incomplete,” the statement said.

            Those who have questions can contact Mayor Ryan Arndorfer by email at brittmayor.rarndorfer@gmail.com or by contacting City Administrator Debra Sawyer at 641-843-4433.

            Garner and Britt will continue to work with Hancock County Emergency Management, Hancock County Community Health, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa League of Cities to keep up to date on information and best practices to proceed with.

            Both cities provided recommendations of washing hands with soap for 20 seconds or more, avoiding contact from other people, covering your sneeze and cough with your arms or a tissue, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces with a household cleaning spray or wipe.

            Kanawha did not have an official statement, but city hall is closed to the public.

            Citizens are asked to use the drop box outside city hall for water payments and to call the office at 641-762-3632 rather than stop in.