COVID-19 Update

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Leaving the Capitol late Monday night, the health tent was a stark reminder of the public emergency Iowa faces.

Friends:

Thank you for all you are doing to help our state and country flatten the curve and save lives.  To our friends and neighbors working on the front lines, providing health care and essential services – we are extremely grateful to you.

Late Monday evening, the Iowa Legislature passed legislation to ensure tools are in place to protect the health and safety of Iowans and keep essential government services running.  We also suspended the 2020 session for 30 days, with the ability to call lawmakers back to Des Moines or extend the suspension, if needed.

Iowa Senate Democrats have established a webpage with emergency resources and information from key state offices, department and agencies at wp.me/p8aBRy-7oW. We will continue updating the page as new details become available.

While I am not at the statehouse, I am still available to help you with your questions, concerns and suggestions.

Please take good care of yourself, your family, your friends and your neighbors. Together, we can flatten the curve and save lives. 

– Senator Janet Petersen

State responds to COVID-19

The state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak is quickly evolving, with decisions being made and changes implemented by the hour.

The most important updates for Iowans will come from the Iowa Department of Public Health, which has been directed to take necessary actions to address the coronavirus outbreak.

Here are key resources on COVID-19:

Everyone entering the Statehouse on Monday were screened to ensure they were healthy.

Links to other state departments and state agencies, their websites and social media can be found at directory.iowa.gov/social.

A public hotline for Iowans with questions about COVID-19 is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431.

Legislature takes emergency action

The Capitol has now been closed as a public health precaution amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Legislature voted Monday to shut down for 30 days to limit the spread of COVID-19. This measure is prudent, given the how busy the State Capitol building is during session.

Before adjourning, we passed SF 2408, authorizing expanded emergency powers for the Governor to address the situation as it unfolds. Additional state resources, supplies, equipment and materials have been authorized to cope with the fallout from this public health disaster. Read a summary of what is included in this legislation wp.me/p8aBRy-7qk.

Public Health Disaster declaration

Tuesday, the Governor issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency. Read our summary of what this declaration means for Iowans and the state.

Please be advised of these key provisions:

  • Restaurants may only offer carry out, drive through and delivery. Dine-in is not permitted.
  • Gatherings and events of more than 10 people are prohibited. This includes social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure and sporting events.
  • Mandatory closures are in place for bars; spas, gyms and pools; theaters and performance venues; casinos and gambling facilities; adult day services and senior centers

Be sure to call ahead before going anywhere, as hours of operation, access restrictions and planned events may change at any time.

Blood donations urgently needed

The ripple effects of the COVID-19 outbreak are having an immediate impact on the state’s blood supply. 

Donating blood is SAFE—and right now, Iowa needs more donors! All healthy individuals are encouraged to donate blood. Book an appointment to ensure appropriate donor flow and social distancing standards can be maintained.

Find a blood donation location by contacting one of Iowa’s three blood centers:

6 tips to increase cyber security amid pandemic

As Iowans take precautionary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, it is also important to be mindful of related cyber security scams.

Cybercriminals are quick to take advantage of disasters and emergency situations by luring you into sharing sensitive information. State and federal public safety officials offer these six tips to protect yourself from malicious online activity:  

1. Keep personal and financial information out of emails, and don’t respond to emails requesting this information.

2. Use extreme caution with email attachments and links if you have any doubt about the sender.

3. Access only trusted online medical resources to ensure the most current, fact-based information about COVID-19. Proactively visit the official CDC website at Coronavirus.Gov.

4. Visit official State of Iowa agency websites and social media accounts, including: 

5. Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on Charity Scams.

6. Stay abreast of U.S. cyber threats to mitigate business risk. Review Risk Management for COVID-19, which is continuously updated to reflect emerging threats.

For more information, as well as how to report Internet crimes, scams or identity theft, go to dps.iowa.gov/covid-19-coronavirus-6-tips-increase-cyber-security.

You can request vote-by-mail ballot TODAY for the June primary

With many Iowans social distancing, now may be a good time for registered voters to request an absentee ballot to be sent to them by mail for the June 2 primary election.

You must complete an absentee ballot request form and return the original, signed form to your county auditor. The request form does not need to be witnessed or notarized.

Visit the Secretary of State’s website to start the process: sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/absenteemail.html