(Audubon) The Audubon County COVID-19 Community Partners encourage the public to continue to practice social distancing, despite the recent loosening of social distancing measures in 77 Iowa counties, including Audubon County.
On April 27th, Governor Reynolds announced loosening social distancing measures in 77 Iowa counties valid Friday, May 1st, with all other restrictions until 11:50 p.m. on Friday, May 15th.
Audubon County Public Health Officials say the counties that can partially re-open either have no current diagnosed positive cases or the trend in positive cases is down over the past 14 days. They ask citizens to keep in mind just because it’s okay for these businesses to open; it doesn’t necessarily mean they will or should. Audubon County health officials ask individuals over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions to consider staying away from the reopenings at this time.
The businesses that can operate now are:
- Restaurants, fitness centers, libraries, and retail stores but only at 50% or less operating capacity.
- Restaurants cannot have tables with more than six people, and all tables need to be 6 feet apart. Restaurants will not be able to have buffets or other self-serve items.
- Social, community, recreational, and leisure sporting events can open with limits to 10 people.
- Spiritual and religious gatherings able to meet social distancing guidelines.
- Farmers markets, but only food or farm products can be sold, and vendors would have to sit six feet apart.
Please continue to practice social distancing as there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, and the best way to do this is to stay home and self-isolate. If you leave your home, please remember the virus is spread mainly from person to person in the following ways:
- Between people who are in close contact with one another, closer than 6 feet.
- Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Transferred by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes.
If you feel you must leave your home and not self-isolate, please do the following:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Wear a mask.
The Audubon County COVID-19 Community Partners thank all the local businesses, churches, essential service workers and health care providers working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as we begin to re-open the economy, please let’s not become careless. We are far from seeing the end of this virus and must continue to be vigilant in its prevention.
