Coronavirus/COVID-19 Information

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Here you will find information and resources about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This public health situation is ever evolving, so be sure to check back frequently. 

For the most recent updates from the City of Newton, scroll down.

CDC Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Opens in new windowFor CDC information, click here.
Iowa Department of Public Health Opens in new window
For Iowa Department of Public Health information, click here.
State-of-Iowa Opens in new windowFor the State of Iowa information, click here. 
Jasper County Emergency Management Opens in new windowFor Jasper County, Iowa information, click here.


Resources

UPDATES

Update 4-3-202 (1:30 PM):

The Jasper County Health Department has been notified by the Iowa Department of Public Health of an additional positive case in Jasper County, for a total of 8 positive cases. The newest positive, as of today, is for an older adult (61 - 80 years old).

According to JCHD and IDPH, the Jasper County cases are as follows:

  • 3 elderly adult, 81+ years old
  • 3 older adults, 61 - 80 years old
  • 1 middle-age adult, 41 - 60 year old
  • 1 adult, 18 - 40 years old

Four of the eight confirmed positives cases are recovered. The patients followed IDPH and JCHD guidelines for quarantine and self-isolation.

Update 4-2-2020 (1 PM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 66 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 614 positive cases. According to IDPH, two additional deaths were reported; 2 older adults (61-80) of Linn County. There have been a total of 8,054 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.

Update 4-1-2020 (1 PM):

The Jasper County Health Department has been notified by the Iowa Department of Public Health of an additional positive case in Jasper County, for a total of 7 positive cases. The newest positive, as of today, is for a middle-age adult (41-60 years).

According to JCHD and IDPH, the Jasper County cases are as follows:

  • 1 older adult, 61 - 80 years old
  • 1 elderly adult, 81+ years old
  • 1 adult, 18 - 40 years old
  • 1 older adult, 61 - 80 years old
  • 1 elderly adult, 81+ years old
  • 1 elderly adult, 81+ years old
  • 1 middle-age adult, 41-60 years

Update 3-31-2020 (3:30 PM):

In an effort to implement social distancing practices recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Michael L. Hansen has amended his emergency proclamation from Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 to include closing all city buildings from public access through April 30, 2020.  View the amended proclamation here. 

The proclamation now also prohibits the use of public restrooms and public playground equipment at the City of Newton Parks. All playground equipment and restrooms at City of Newton parks are closed effective immediately, until further notice. COVID-19 has been known to spread through hard surface contact. The City of Newton does not have an effective way to sanitize the playground equipment to keep everyone safe.

Update 3-31-2020 (1 PM):

The Jasper County Health Department has been notified by the Iowa Department of Public Health of an additional positive case in Jasper County, for a total of 6 positive cases. The newest positive, as of today, was for an elderly adult (81+ years old).

According to JCHD and IDPH, the Jasper County cases include:

  • 1 older adult, 61 - 80 years old
  • 1 elderly adult, 81+ years old
  • 1 adult, 18 - 40 years old
  • 1 older adult, 61 - 80 years old
  • 1 elderly adult, 81+ years old
  • 1 elderly adult, 81+ years old

Update 3-30-2020 (1 PM):

The Jasper County Health Department has been notified by the Iowa Department of Public Health of an additional positive case in Jasper County, for a total of 5 positive cases. The newest positive, as of today, was for an elderly adult (81+ years old).

According to JCHD and IDPH, the Jasper County cases include:
 
•    1 older adult, 61 - 80 years old
•    1 elderly adult, 81+ years old
•    1 adult, 18 - 40 years old
•    1 older adult, 61 - 80 years old
•    1 elderly adult, 81+ years old

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at outside labs, and is providing additional information on the conditions of those infected with COVID-19.

Update 3-28-2020 (11:30 AM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 64 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 298 positive cases (a previously identified positive case in Black Hawk County is not from Iowa). There have been a total of 4,375 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. This includes a new positive case for an adult (18-40) in Jasper County.

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at outside labs, and is providing additional information on the conditions of those infected with COVID-19.

There are a total of 3 confirmed cases in Jasper County.

Update 3-27-2020 (11:30 AM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 56 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 235 positive cases. There have been a total of 3,740 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.
 
According to IDPH, two Iowans with COVID-19 passed away last night, one elderly adult (81+ years) from Poweshiek County and one older adult (61-80 years) from Allamakee County. This brings the total COVID-19 deaths in Iowa to three.

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at outside labs, and is providing additional information on the conditions of those infected with COVID-19.

Update 3-26-2020 (4 PM):

Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration, suspending elective and nonessential medical and dental procedures, extending and expanding retail business closures, ordering health care facilities and nursing homes to engage in advanced health care screenings, and removing additional legal barriers to ensure a continued strong response to this disaster. 

The state of public health disaster emergency shall expire on April 16, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., unless sooner terminated or extended by the governor.

 Read the full text of the proclamation online here.

Update 3-26-2020 (12 PM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 34 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 179 positive cases. There have been a total of 2,975 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. 

This includes a new positive case in Jasper County (1 elderly (81+)). There are a total of two positive cases in Jasper County. 

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at outside labs, and is providing additional information on the conditions of those infected with COVID-19.

Update 3-26-2020 (10 AM):

i-SERV is the Iowa Department of Public Health’s secure online registry for individuals wishing to volunteer in the event of a large scale disaster or public health emergency. i-SERV is part of a federal effort to coordinate and assemble volunteers for all types of emergencies. Click here for more information and to sign up here: https://www.iaserv.org/

Update 3-26-2020 (8 AM):

Visitor Restrictions at MercyOne Newton Medical Center

Effective today (Wednesday, March 25), no visitors are allowed at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. Toe learn more, including exceptions, please visit: https://www.mercyone.org/desmoines/about-us/news-releases/visitor-restriction-policy?fbclid=IwAR0bmJ3KaQTQPS58_cWbNc9AELTekG0R1o5Ltq57Wa2Vc1NeLExDjwXGMUY

Update 3-25-2020 (12 PM):

Gov. Kim Reynolds received notification last night that President Trump has approved her request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for COVID-19, removing a $5 million cap on federal funds as well as making available the Community Disaster Loan program. The declaration provides assistance for work and services to save lives and protect property, to include emergency protective measures. Gov. Reynolds had also requested activation of the federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling programs and statewide Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding. Those portions of her request are still under consideration.

Update 3-25-2020 (10 AM): 

The Newton Police Department continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation around the nation and state. We have become aware of coronavirus-related scams in other communities. It is terrible that people prey on fear. Still, we see this during and after every natural disaster and emergency crisis. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before someone reaches into the Newton community and attempts to take advantage of the uncertainty associated with this pandemic. Read more here: https://www.newtongov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1181

Update 3-25-2020 (8 AM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) learned late yesterday of the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was an older adult, 61-80 years of age, and a resident of Dubuque County.

Update 3-24-2020 (4 PM):

Jasper County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is currently seeking donations of personal protective equipment (PPE).

If your business and/or facility is not operating or seeing patients and clients at a reduced schedule please consider donating any available PPE. Specific PPE items that Jasper County EMA is looking for includes:

  • Eye protection
  • Facemasks
  • N95 masks
  • Medical gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Isopropyl alcohol at 70% concentration
  • Isolation gowns

If your facility has PPE to donate please call 641-841-1180 to schedule a drop off at the Jasper County EMA (1030 W 2nd St S; Newton, Iowa). Drop offs will be held weekdays between 8 A.M. and 4 P.M. by appointment only.

The Jasper County Emergency Management Agency has created a county-wide landing page with information, resources and updates for COVID-19 at www.jasperema-hls.org/jasper-disaster.

Update 3-24-2020 (11 AM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 15 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 105 positive cases. There have been a total of 2,043 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.  A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at other labs, and will soon provide additional information regarding hospitalization and recovery.  

Update 3-24-2020 (8 AM):

On Monday, March 23, Governor Reynolds announced a new Iowa Small Business Relief Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses and tax deferrals to any Iowa businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Application deadline is Tuesday, March 31, at 12 p.m. More information is available here: www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/our-agency-detail-resources/6710

Governor Reynolds also announced that first quarter unemployment tax payments that are due April 30th will be delayed till the end of the 2nd quarter, July 31, 2020. Eligible employers include those employers with 50 or fewer employees. Eligible employers also must be in good standing with no delinquencies in quarterly payments. More information is available here: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-announces-unemployment-insurance-tax-extension-to-assist-small 

Update 3-23-2020 (5 PM):

A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Jasper County. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individual is self-isolating at home.*

“While this is Jasper County’s first case, it may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Jasper County Health Administrator, Becky Pryor.

If you think you may need healthcare, call first. Your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. There may also be options for you to talk to a medical provider from home using technology.

This information will be reflected in the Tuesday, March 24th Iowa of Department of Public Health update and Tuesday, March 24th news conference by Governor Reynolds.

Update 3-23-2020 (3 PM):

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to public drinking water to provide clarity to the public. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is very low. Disinfection methods used in drinking water treatment plants are effective for inactivation of coronaviruses and all other viruses. Iowans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual.  The Iowa DNR recommends obtaining your potable water from your tap as much as possible to conserve bottled water for emergency situations if needed.  

Update 3-23-2020 (2 PM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 15 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 105 positive cases. There have been a total of 2,043 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.  A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at other labs, and will soon provide additional information regarding hospitalization and recovery.  

Update 3-23-2020 (12 PM): 

Newton Clinic patients with a fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory symptoms — such as a cough or shortness of breath — will be able to utilize a temporary fever and respiratory pop-up clinic for treatment. This is not a drive-through testing location. Newton Clinic patients are asked to call 641-792-2112 to make an appointment before being seen in the external clinic. Scheduled appointments between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays. 

Newton Clinic will remain open for non-contagious health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, mental health checkups, pain management, medication follow-up visits, non-emergent injuries such as sprains and minor lacerations, OB visits and well-adult and well-child exams.

Please note: this is not a drive-through testing location and you must be a Newton Clinic patient to make an appointment.

Update 3-23-2020 (8:00 AM):

The Newton Community School District will be implementing an emergency food program starting Monday, March 23rd.  A curbside breakfast & lunch pick up will be available at Berg Middle School & Newton High School from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Mon-Fri). Children need to be present to pick up meals. Their plan is to provide this while school is not in session. We will continue to monitor and assess this need as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. More information is available here: https://www.newtoncsd.org/Downloads/NEWTON-COMMUNITY-SCHOOLS.pdf

Update 3-22-2020 (4 PM):

Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration. The proclamation includes additional mandatory closures, relaxes certain restrictions to promote additional social distancing and provides regulatory relief to Iowa health care industries, among other actions outlined in the proclamation below. 

The proclamation closes the following from Sunday, March 22nd, 2020 at 10:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March, 31st, 2020: Salons, medical spas, barbershops, tattoo establishments, tanning facilities, massage therapy establishments, and swimming pools. 

To assist Iowans further, it suspends all foreclosures on residential, commercial, and agricultural real property. 

The proclamation also provides professional licensing relief to remove barriers who want to step up and serve in medical professions and to prevent the expiration of professional licenses during the disaster.  

To promote further social distancing, the declaration suspends in-person requirements for various activities. 

The full proclamation can be found here: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-state-public-health-emergency

Update 3-22-2020 (12 PM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 22 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 90 positive cases. There have been  1,215 negative tests conducted at the State Hygienic Lab to date.

Update 3-21-2020 (5 PM):

Iowans who have traveled recently for business or spring break vacations, whether internationally or domestically outside of Iowa, should strongly consider self-isolating for 14 days. This will support Iowa’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and limit the introduction of the virus from other points of travel. 

Iowa has implemented many provisions to emphasize social distancing, and self-isolation after travel is another measure we can take to slow the spread of the virus and avoid quickly overburdening our healthcare system. 

Update 3-21-2020 (3 PM):

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Read the full news release from the Iowa Economic Development Authority here: https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/newsDetail/6712?

Update 3-21-2020 (1 PM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 23 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 68 positive cases. To date, there have been 1,049 negative tests conducted at the State Hygienic Lab. A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa will begin to share the number of negative tests conducted at outside labs.

Update 3-20-2020 (1 PM):

As of 8 a.m. on Friday, March 20, Jasper County Emergency Management activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support the ongoing COVID-19 response in Jasper County. The activation of the EOC will help coordinate response and communication among the county’s response partners. The EOC will also be coordinating information for the communities of Jasper County and their residents.

Update 3-20-2020 (12 PM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of one additional positive case of Iowans with COVID-10, for a total of 45 positive cases. 765 negative tests have been conducted at the State Hygienic Lab. According to IDPH, this individual resides in Allamakee County and is a middle-aged adult (41-60).  A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa provided by IDPH can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The governor’s office and the Iowa Department of Public Health will be transitioning to mid morning updates as testing capabilities have expanded.  

Update 3-20-2020 (10 AM): 

Gov. Reynolds issued an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration effective immediately providing additional regulatory relief to Iowans impacted by this public health disaster.  

The declaration relaxes a number of restrictions and regulations and provides relief from other statutes and state regulations:  

  • Temporarily suspends collection of property taxes and penalties and interest
  • Temporarily suspends some evictions under the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or the Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in certain circumstances
  • Extends expiration deadline for a permit to carry and a permit to acquire a firearm and additional measures
  • Permits the sale of carry-out, delivery, drive-thru of alcohol for unopened bottles of alcohol for bars and restaurants and suspends some fees
  • Permits public meetings or hearings by electronic means to improve the functions of government while maintaining social distancing practices
  • Suspends certain regulations to ease the transportation of agricultural supplies and commodities, food, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods on all highways in Iowa
  • The proclamation also allows related state agencies to implement the state’s public health emergency plan

Read the full text of the proclamation here: https://www.governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-additional-state-public-health-emergency-declaration-will-hold 

Update 3-19-2020 (5 PM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 6 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 44 positive cases. 642 negative tests have been conducted at the State Hygienic Lab.  Read the Iowa Department of Public Health news release here: https://idph.iowa.gov/News/ArtMID/646/ArticleID/158312/Additional-COVID-19-Cases-in-Iowa-31920 

Update 3-18-2020 (6 PM):

Newton Main Street has created, and is maintaining, a list of local restaurants and how they are operating. You can view the Google Doc as Newton Main Street updates information here: http://bit.ly/NewtonRestaurantInfo

Update 3-18-2020 (5:45 PM):

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of six additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 29 positive cases. According to IDPH, three individuals are residents of Johnson County; the other three are residents of Adair, Blackhawk and Dallas Counties.  Read the Iowa Department of Public Health news release here: https://idph.iowa.gov/News/ArtMID/646/ArticleID/158310/Additional-COVID-19-Cases-in-Iowa-31720 

Update 3-18-2020 (4 PM):

In an effort to implement social distancing practices recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Michael L. Hansen has amended his emergency proclamation from Tuesday, March 17 to include closing all city buildings from public access beginning on Thursday, March 19, 2020.  View the amended proclamation here.

The City of Newton offices, including Public Works (Public Works, Community Development, and Community Services), City Hall, the Newton Fire Department and Newton Police Department will be closed to the public through March 31, 2020 and will be re-evaluated at that time. The Newton Public Library was already closed to the public and Newton Water Works, which is housed in City Hall, will also be closed to the public.

While these facilities are closed to walk-in traffic, City services will continue to be provided by City departments and divisions with customer service needs being either handled online, via email or by phone.

  • Please visit our website at www.newtongov.org/directory.aspx for department contact information and online services.
  • If you are unable to find what you need on the website, email communciations@newtongov.org or call City Hall at 641-792-2787 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.
  • Newton Water Works customer service staff is working normal business hours and can be reached at 641-792-2003. To make your water bill payment, you can 1) place check or money order in the drop box to the left of the front doors of City Hall or 2) send check or money order via mail to Newton Water Works or 3) sign up for auto-pay of your water bill with your checking or savings account - which is a free service. Find out more here: www.newtongov.org/584/Payment-Information
  • Many licenses and permits are available online: www.newtongov.org/405/Licenses-or-Permits, trade permits, rental housing registrations, etc. to be submitted electronically. Some forms are available as PDFs and can be emailed to erinc@newtongov.org.
  • Building inspections are continuing as normal and can be scheduled by calling 641-792-6622 ex. 2306.
  • Contact the Newton Police Department for non-emergency calls during business hours call 641-791-0850 and after-business hours call 641-792-1547. Call 9-1-1 only for life-or-death emergencies or crimes in progress. On certain calls, officers may be wearing additional protective gear to limit exposure.
  • Contact the Newton Fire Department for non-emergency calls at 641-792-3347. Call 9-1-1 only for life-or-death emergencies. On certain calls, firefighters may be wearing additional protective gear to limit exposure.
  • For after-hours Public Works related issues, including water, sewer, storm drain, or streets, please call 641-792-1547.
  • Patrons of the Newton Public Library are encouraged to access online magazines, e-books and audio books through OverDrive and Libby. Visit www.newtongov.org/library for more information.

Learn more: https://www.newtongov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1175 

Update 3-18-2020 (1 PM):

Please remember toilets are not trash cans. Only the 3p’s - pee, poo & (toilet) paper - belong in the toilet. The City’s Water Pollution Control Facility has seen an increase in wipes labeled “flushable” being flushed into the City’s sewer mains. The City of Newton wants residents to be aware that wipes that are sold as “flushable” are in fact not flushable for the City’s sewer pipes and can cause problems with your homes sewer pipes. Learn what is here: https://www.newtongov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1174

Update 3-18-2020 (10 AM):

On March 17, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) was notified of six additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 29 positive cases. According to IDPH, three individuals are residents of Johnson County; the other three are residents of Adair, Blackhawk and Dallas Counties. Full release available here: https://idph.iowa.gov/News/ArtMID/646/ArticleID/158310/Additional-COVID-19-Cases-in-Iowa-31720 

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

Update 3-17-2020 (3:30 PM):

Mayor Michael L. Hansen has signed a proclamation that determines a state of emergency or public danger exists and directs that all gathering of 10 people or more on public property or public right-of-way are hereby prohibited and any permits or permissions previously granted are hereby rescinded and any amounts paid for such permits shall be refunded upon request. The proclamation directs the Police Chief to enforce such direction to avoid any such gatherings, whether formally or informally organized.

See the full signed proclamation online: City of Newton Emergency Proclamation

Update 3017-2020 (1 PM):

A planned 2020 City of Newton Projects Open House for March 24 has been canceled. Flyers had been mailed late last week to residents and businesses directly affected by some of these projects, a postcard about the cancellation have been mailed out today.

Update 3-17-2020 (10:35 AM):

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 today. It takes significant steps to require social distancing and limit community spread of the virus by implementing temporary measures including moving restaurants to drive-through, carry-out, and delivery only and closures of certain entities such as bars and recreational facilities. The proclamation also allows state agencies additional flexibility in responding to the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, and supports the critical work of public health. Read the full announcement here: https://idph.iowa.gov/News/ArtMID/646/ArticleID/158309/Gov-Reynolds-issues-a-State-of-Public-Health-Disaster-Emergency 

Update 3-17-2020 (9:55 AM):

With the ongoing concerns of the COVID-19 virus and to comply with recommendations set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for social distancing, the Newton Police Department has canceled the Cops & Neighborhoods United Zone 6 Meeting that had been scheduled for Friday March 20.  

Update 3-17-2020 (8:45 AM):

The Newton Community School District will CLOSE beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 17 and remain closed until April 13, 2020 at a minimum. 

Based on Governor Kim Reynold’s recommendation and evidence from the Iowa Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, the Newton Community School District will CLOSE beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and remain closed until April 13, 2020 at a minimum. Information could become available that would extend this timeline, but based on evidence we have right now this seems to be the most prudent course of action. 

Here is additional information for you: 

  1. Per guidance from the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, all spring school related activities – athletics, fine arts, etc. – are cancelled. This includes middle school activities. 
  2. The Newton Community School District is working with their Food Nutrition services to determine a procedure to provide lunch and an afternoon snack. These meals will be “grab & go” served either in a Styrofoam container or in a brown paper sack. Details will be forthcoming soon. 
  3. At this time the H.A. Lynn Stadium track will remain open, but all other school facilities will be inaccessible to the public until further notice.

Read a letter from Superintendent Bob Callaghan here: https://www.newtoncsd.org/Downloads/School-Closure-Parents-Students-1.pdf 

Update 3-16-2020 (4:30 PM):

In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, Jasper County is taking steps to protect employees and the public. If you are planning to visit one of the County buildings please call ahead to see if you can conduct your business electronically or over the phone. Visit www.co.jasper.ia.us/  for the most up-to-date information and monitor our local media to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving situation. Here is a link to their news release about buidling and office closures: www.co.jasper.ia.us/DocumentCenter/View/1792/COVID-19-Press-Release 

Update 3-16-2020 (2:30 PM):

The Newton Public Library Board is monitoring the news about the coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to make the best decisions possible to keep the library’s staff, patrons, and communities healthy and safe. As a result, the Library will be closing as of 8 p.m. tonight (Monday, March 16th) and will remain closed through Sunday, March 29th, 2020.  This is a fluid, unprecedented situation for the Library and the health and safety of our community and staff is of utmost importance. All library items that are currently checked out will now have a due date of April 1st, 2020. Any Newton Public Library card that is due to be updated between January 1st, 2020 to April 1st, 2020, will be automatically updated through April 15th to allow patrons access to our online materials, databases, and other online services. The Library offers a large collection of digital materials, including eBooks, eMagazines, and eAudiobooks from Libby and Overdrive. These digital materials are free to Newton Public Library card holders and can be accessed from home by downloading the free Libby app from their app store. Please call the Library Information Desk at 641.792.4108 if you have questions about this service. Read more here: www.newtongov.org/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1170

Update 3-16-2020 (2:00 PM): 

The health and safety of Newton residents and employees is our top priority, as a preventative measure the City of Newton is encouraging Newton residents to attend tonight’s city council meeting through electronic means. If you would like to provide information to be read at the meeting, please email your statement to the City Clerk at katrinad@newtongov.org no later than 4:30 p.m. If you have a question during the meeting, please call 641-791-2787 ext. 2007. Recordings of City Council meetings are also available on demand a couple of days after a meeting on the City’s website in the Agenda (www.newtongov.org/AgendaCenter).You can watch the meeting in the following ways:

  • Television – Meetings are broadcast live on Mediacom channels 12, 85 or 121.12.
  • Live stream – Meetings are streamed live on the City’s website (www.newtongov.org)
  • At the time of the City Council meeting, visit the City’s website and click “I Want To…” > “View” > “Livestream of City Council Meetings”

Update 3-16-2020 (1:00 PM):

The City of Newton release information on Coronavirus/COVID-19 including information regarding buildings. Click here to view the full release: www.newtongov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1168 

  • Most city buildings and offices are open to the public but city staff are encouraging residents to call before visiting a building as we may be able to assist residents via phone or online.
    • Newton City Hall (location of the City Administration Office) is open to the public at this time but access is limited to the front lobby. Please call 641-792-2787 as much business can be done over the phone.
    • The Newton Police Department is open for business but the public will be restricted to the front lobby. No public tours will be given for the foreseeable future. Non-criminal fingerprinting will not be done. The deadline for pet licenses (cats, dogs and miniature pigs) has been extended to May 1.
    • The Newton Fire Department is open for business but the public will be restricted to the front lobby. Public tours to the fire department are suspended until further notice.
    • The Newton Public Library is open for business at this time. At this time programming, meeting room reservations and conference room reservations have been canceled through March 31.
    • The Public Works Building (location of Public Works Department, Community Development and Community Services) is open for business but residents and visitors will be restricted to the front lobby.
      • Those seeking permits are asked to complete permit forms online.
      • All Newton park shelter rentals are canceled until April 15. 
      • No photos/passes for Maytag Pool will be issued at this time; passes are still available for purchase online and will be issued at a later date.
      • Westwood Golf Course is open as normal at this time.
    • The Newton Sanitary Landfill is open for business and operations are planned to continue as normal.

Update 3-15-2020 (4:30 PM)

From the Jasper County Health Department 

  • “We are all in this together as Iowa tackles COVID-19.  We appreciate everyone pulling together in the community.  We will support everyone by keeping you up to date with information on our Jasper County Health Department - Iowa Facebook page including information from IDPH and CDC.  This information will assist in making the best decisions for our families, businesses and community.  As a health department, our mission is to protect and improve the health of Jasper County. I challenge you to help us protect, prevent, and prepare if needed for COVID 19.  We would rather be cautious and proactive to protect Jasper County.  Staying calm and planning is a great first step.”  Becky Pryor, Administrator
  • Parents should be planning what it would look like if schools or daycares are closed.  Businesses should look at their emergency plan and allow employees to consider working from home when possible and mandating that employees must stay home when sick.
  • A public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431

Update 3-15-2020

There is now community spread of COVID 19 in Iowa; please review the Iowa Dept of Public Health updated guidelines as of this the evening of March 14, 2020. There are still no positive cases in Jasper County.

Update 3-15-2020

The Newton Public Library Board is monitoring the news about the coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to make the best decisions possible to keep the library’s staff, patrons, and communities healthy and safe. As a result, all library programs (including outreach events) are canceled through March 31st. We are also canceling all meeting room and conference room reservations at this time. The Library Board and administration will keep an eye on updates concerning COVID-19 and make further decisions on April programming in the coming weeks.

  •  Click here for more information from the Newton Public Library.
  1. Spread of COVID-19
  2. Prevention of COVID-19
  3. Symptoms of COVID-19

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

For more information from the CDC on how COVID-19 is spread, click here.