City of Ottumwa issued the following announcement on May 4.
On May 2, 2020, Wapello County COVID-19 positive cases increased to 42. With increased testing and economic relaxation of restrictions in the state, Wapello County is seeing a sharp rise in positive tests in our communities. According to Wapello County Public Health Director, Lynelle Diers, “At this time, we are tracking a wide community spread of COVID-19 that is currently affecting a growing number of people throughout Wapello County." Local public health and emergency management are working every day with residents, local officials, healthcare partners, and area businesses, to identify and track cases of COVID in our county. Diers further states, “County public health agencies are required by state law to transparently report all positive cases and their ages to the public. To protect the privacy of our sick citizens some of the information such as names, health status, hospitalization or place of work cannot be made public by local health departments due to privacy laws. Follow-up Information obtained in tracking is relayed to the appropriate contacts. The public should assume that COVID-19 is establishing a stronger presence in this county and residents should be vigilant despite relaxation of state restrictions.”
At this time, it is the responsibility of the public to step-up and help protect our community; protect the health and safety of their families, residents and healthcare resources in Wapello County. It is imperative that Wapello County citizens stay home when possible. If you have to go out, leave your family at home and wear a mask. Social distance and stay 6 feet away from others. If you are sick, stay at home and call your local health care provider.
Tim Richmond, Wapello County Emergency Manager, Mayor Tom Lazio, Wapello County Supervisors, all Wapello County Fire and EMS Departments, Wapello County Sheriff, Ottumwa Police Department, Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Ottumwa health care clinics, nursing homes and multiple area businesses echoed Diers’ directives. The ability to stop COVID-19 in Wapello County exists solely upon the responsibility of Wapello County residents to suppress the spread by following preventive measures. Please help us in the fight to control this disease.
Original source can be found here.
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