{"id":1179,"date":"2020-03-16T21:46:44","date_gmt":"2020-03-16T21:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hiawatha-iowa.com\/news\/?p=1179"},"modified":"2020-03-17T12:52:24","modified_gmt":"2020-03-17T12:52:24","slug":"efforts-to-reduce-the-spread-of-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hiawatha-iowa.com\/news\/efforts-to-reduce-the-spread-of-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Efforts to Reduce the Spread of Coronavirus"},"content":{"rendered":"

On behalf of the City of Hiawatha, please know we are working together and are in constant communication regarding the COVID-19 virus. We are using guidance from the CDC, Iowa Department of Public Health, Linn County Public Health and our Fire\/Ambulance Department to guide us in our decision-making regarding the city\u2019s activities. We are monitoring the situation daily\/hourly and making decisions based on available information.<\/p>\n

The Hiawatha Library is closed although staff is currently reporting to work and planning on significantly ramping up online activities and carryout items.<\/p>\n

City Hall offices remain open with normal operating hours; however, the City is canceling non-essential meetings and activities in compliance with the new recommendations from IDPH to limit such gatherings. Meetings for the Hiawatha City Council will continue as scheduled at this time; meeting agendas will include essential items only. In addition, enhanced cleaning measures are in place in all city facilities, which includes repeated cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. This is a fluid situation, and if the city changes its hours of operation, we will notify the public via the media, our website, and social media.<\/p>\n

The City offers many of its services online and strongly encourages residents to use online services when possible all year long. Utility bills and permitting services can be paid online.<\/p>\n

Links to these and other services such as utility bill payments and permitting applications\/payments are available on City of Hiawatha\u2019s website hiawatha-iowa.com<\/a><\/u>. If you need assistance with these services, please contact us with questions. Contact information for all City departments is available at hiawatha-iowa.com<\/a> or by calling 319-393-1515.<\/p>\n

City of Hiawatha is also updating its human resources policies to address extended sick leave and paid time off for employees who may be impacted by COVID-19. The City is also educating employees on workplace safety measures including social distancing information and basic hygiene tips.<\/p>\n

\"EFFORTS<\/a><\/p>\n

Everyone can do their part to help respond to this emerging public health threat through implementing these prevention strategies<\/a>:<\/p>\n