On the morning of March 17, Gov. Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan effective at noon on the 17th. The plan, in response to COVID-19 and lasting through at least March 31, includes closing bars and restaurants with the exception of take-out, drive-through and delivery services; closing fitness centers and gyms; closing theaters; closing casinos; closing senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities; and prohibiting social, religious, sporting and other gatherings of more than 10 people. Read the full plan and proclamation.
The City of Waukee has already taken steps in the past few days to help limit community spread of COVID-19. The City closed the Waukee Public Library, the Waukee Public Works Building and Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course to the public. We have also been encouraging online, phone, mail or dropbox methods for City business; we have adjusted staff protocols and public encounters; we increased cleaning measures and more. Please see the City’s robust COVID-19 information page, subscribe to COVID-19 community updates, and see a list of ways to do City business remotely.
As this public health situation continues to unfold, the City is also closing City Hall and the Development Services building to the public. Utility bill payments, permit applications, inspection scheduling and more can be done without visiting these buildings in-person. The building vestibules will remain open for document drop-offs. Payment dropboxes are also available. The Waukee Public Safety Building’s lobby remains open. Phone lines are still being staffed during office hours at these City buildings.
These are trying times for pretty much everyone in the world. Please know that City of Waukee elected officials and staff are closely monitoring the situation. The Iowa Department of Public Health has announced there are two Dallas County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. While there is no specific indication that either of the two cases are in Waukee, it is still best to be vigilant, yet also calm. I encourage you to follow the Center for Disease Control and the Iowa Department of Public Health’s recommendations to wash hands often, practice social distancing and more.
The City will continue to post updates as needed. We are all in this together.
Sincerely,
Mayor Courtney Clarke