CDC: Stop events with 50 or more people

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised Sunday evening that events with more than 50 people be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks.

“Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities,” the CDC said in a statement.

“Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals,” it said.

“Therefore, CDC … recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States,” it said.

“Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene and social distancing,” the CDC said.

“When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual,” meaning held online.

The CDC said the recommendation “does not apply to the day-to-day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning or businesses.”

“This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus,” it said.

“This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials,” the CDC added.

The organization also reminded people to continue practicing good hygiene and preventative measures when at events:

• Promote the daily practice of everyday preventive actions. Use health messages and materials developed by credible public health sources such as CDC or your local public health department to encourage your event staff and participants to practice good personal health habits.

•Consider displaying signs throughout the event to provide frequent reminders to participants to engage in everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

These include:

• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

• Handshakes and “high-fives” are often exchanged at meetings and sporting events, and these can be ways in which COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person. As a way of decreasing the social pressure to engage in these common behaviors, consider displaying signs that discourage these actions during the gathering.

CANCELLATIONS/CHANGES

• The Floyd County Board of Supervisors announced Sunday evening that a special meeting of the board scheduled for Monday morning had been canceled.

“Department heads had planned to meet following the board meeting to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on government offices,” Carr said. “With the ever-evolving situation surrounding the disease, it was decided to meet first thing in the morning to develop a preparedness plan.”

• Floyd County Treasurer Frank Rottinghaus announced that there would be “immediate changes in the way the Floyd County Treasurer’s office delivers its services to the public,” to be announced Monday morning following a meeting with the Board of Supervisors, county officers and department heads.”

• A public presentation by the anti-hunger group Self-Help International of Waterloo planned for Trinity United Methodist Church on Thursday night, March 19, has been postponed, “hopefully scheduled later in the year,” said George Cummins.

• The Floyd County Democratic Caucus for president set for Saturday, March 21, has been postponed until further notice. The Iowa Democratic Party announced that all county conventions would be postponed.

• Heartland Power Cooperative has canceled its annual meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, in St. Ansgar.

• The Iowa Legislature has suspended its current session for 30 days.
The House and Senate will meet Monday “to consider resolutions regarding continuity of government to ensure delivery of essential services to Iowans,” according to a press release from Iowa House Republicans. Public tours of the Capitol have also been halted.

• The Iowa Utilities Board issued an order that all electric and natural gas utilities in the state cease to disconnect residential service due to nonpayment until May 1. Income-eligible Iowans have until April 30 each year to apply for limited financial heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The application deadline was not extended with the utility board’s order.

• Special Olympics Iowa has suspended all training and activities at least through the end of March.

“For many of our athletes, training is a way to combat health and wellness challenges, along with the social isolation that they are faced with on a daily basis. Our athletes will need the support of friends and fans right now,” said Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO John Kliegl.

• The Iowa Department of Corrections has canceled all family visitations at state prisons.

• The Iowa Supreme Court issued an order postponing all criminal jury trials until April 20 and all civil jury trials until May 4 unless the jury has already been sworn in.