For more ways to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, and for the latest updates and guidance in this rapidly evolving situation, please visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov or Iowa Department of Public Health at www.idph.gov.

Compiled by Allison Graham

and John Speer

Note: As news regarding Covid-19 continues to change on a daily basis this article has been updated from the time of deadline.

From the last report available on Wednesday, April 1 Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 52 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 (as of April 1), for a total of 549 positive cases. There have been a total of 7,304 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.

The additional positive cases include:

Tama County, 1 adult (18-40 years) bringing the county-wide total to 14.

Shannon Zoffka, Executive Director of Tama County Public Health, said at the time all four people are self isolating at home. Two of the cases are between the ages of 18-40 now two cases are in the 41-60 age group.

One of those cases is a healthcare worker from the Meskwaki Health Clinic. According to a press release posted to the Meskwaki Nation-Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa Facebook page, the individual does not live on the settlement but is an employee at the clinic. Direct exposure was limited to four individuals who came into direct contact with the employee. The release goes on to say if you did not receive a phone call Saturday morning, you were not exposed. Patients who came into direct contact were advised to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Later on Saturday, the Meskwaki Tribe issued another press release ordering a shelter in place notice. Residents shall not leave their homes unless going to and from grocery stores, pharmacies, or the Meskwaki Health Clinic.

Disaster Assistance

Reynolds also released plans for state based disaster assistance in collaboration with Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Department of Revenue and Iowa Workforce Development.

The new state based disaster plans will making funding available for small grants for businesses with 2-25 employees for $5000-25,000. The plan which was also available Tuesday at 8 a.m. also extend sales and withholding tax deadline for any business that gets a grant and consider and extension for any business that applies for a grant.

Currently funds available for the program total 4 million dollars, two million from economic emergency funds and two million that was reallocated from the IEDA budget.

Tama County

Sheriff’s Office, Jail

The Tama County Sheriff’s Office front office will be closed until further notice. This is to help mitigate the spread of the Corona/COVID-19 virus. There is no jail visitation until further notice.

Tax filings, motor vehicles

From: Michelle Yuska

Tama County Treasurer

Property Taxes

Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation that waives late penalty for March property tax payments, through the duration of the proclamation to help give some assistance to Iowans dealing with the impact of COVID-19. What this means is that property taxes are still due by March 31, 2020 and considered delinquent on April 1, 2020. The proclamation currently expires on April 16, 2020. Therefore, at this time, late penalty for delinquent March property taxes will begin on April 17, 2020.

Property tax payments must be postmarked, paid online at www.iowatreasurers.org, or dropped off in the Tama County Treasurer payment drop box outside the building by April 16th to avoid a late penalty.

Motor Vehicles and Licenses

Iowa Dept. of Transportation: In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ issuance of a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency, the Iowa Department of Transportation seeks to combat the spread of the virus by taking the following immediate actions.

Driver’s License Holders

If you have a driver’s license that has an expiration date of Jan. 16, 2020, or later you do not have to renew your license at this time. It will remain valid for driving purposes until the declared disaster has ended.

Vehicle Titles, Registration and License Plates

If your vehicle registration expired Jan. 16, 2020, or later will be considered valid until the declared disaster has ended.

If you are purchasing or transferring a vehicle you will not be required to obtain a title and registration within 30 days. This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.

If you purchase a vehicle from a dealer you will not be required to obtain license plates within 45 days. This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.

Overweight Loads for Motor Carriers

On non?interstate roads only, trucks hauling food, medical supplies, cleaning products, or other household goods may exceed the weights listed in Iowa Code 321.463 by 12.5 percent without a permit, so long as they don’t exceed 20,000 pounds on an individual axle, and their total weight does not exceed 90,000 pounds. Trucks are still required to obey posted bridge restrictions.