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Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
The City of Muscatine is working with local, state, and federal partners to keep our community informed about COVID-19, or coronavirus. Please check this page for updates and resources as they become available.
MUSCATINE COUNTY RELEASES
- March 31, 2020 - First COVID-19 death confirmed in Muscatine County
- March 19, 2020 - First case of COVID-19 confirmed in Muscatine County
STATE DECLARATIONS/INFORMATION
- April 6, 2020 - Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- April 2, 2020 - Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- March 31, 2020 - Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- March 31, 2020 - Legal Aid Information Hotline is established
- March 26, 2020 - Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- March 22, 2020 - Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- March 19, 2020 - Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- March 17, 2020 - Governor Reynolds issues a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency.
- March 15, 2020 - Governor Reynolds recommends Iowa schools close for four weeks.
- March 15, 2020 - CDC interim guidance for mass gatherings and large community events.
- March 14, 2020 - Community spread confirmed in Iowa
- March 9, 2020 - Governor Reynolds signs Disaster Proclamation
LOCAL PROGRAM AND SERVICE UPDATES
MUSCABUS
APRIL 3 - MuscaBus routes will be suspended Monday, April 6, 2020. MuscaBus routes are tentatively scheduled to resume on Friday, May 1, 2020, but that may change depending on directions and/or recommendations from state and federal government agencies. Shuttle bus rides will be offered to the public by appointment only. Fares will be waived from April 6 to May 1. All previously purchased passes for April will be valid and accepted for use during the month of May. Anyone who would like to schedule a ride can call (563) 263-8152. Ride appointments are on a first come, first served basis. Fortenbacher added that rides will only be provided to the doctor, work, and the grocery store. Shuttle buses will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
PARKING
MARCH 26 - The City of Muscatine will temporarily suspend certain parking ordinances in order to maintain convenient customer parking for the businesses that are still open, including those food establishments doing take-out orders. The current plan is to continue to enforce the two-hour, once-per-day in each block restriction on 2nd Street to avoid individuals from parking for long periods of time or all-day in spaces that the businesses that are open need for their customers. The City will NOT be enforcing the “Expired Meter” ordinance in areas with parking meters. However, the City will enforce the time limit for the metered parking spaces. Most of the metered spaces in the downtown business district have a two-hour limit. Individuals parking in these metered spots will not have to “feed” the meter but will still be restricted to the two-hour time limit in each space.
ADMINISTRATION
- Muscatine City Hall is closed to the public access through Thursday, April 16, 2020 (could be extended dependent if Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds extends Disaster Proclamation).
- City staff is available to answer questions by phone or email during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).
- Please call 563-264-1550 to make a delivery or to speak with a staff member at City Hall. Contact information and information on the City’s COVID-19 response can be found on the city website.
- Applications available online: Building permits, public housing applications, voucher/section 8 applications, and employment.
- Housing and Community Development can be reached at 563-262-4141.
- Muscatine City Council meetings in the Council Chambers at City Hall have been suspended through April 16, 2020. Meetings will be held via a conference call with a phone number and access code available at least 24 hours prior to the meeting for the public to call in and listen to the proceedings (please mute phone or computer microphone while listening). Audio only versions will be available on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Cable Channel 2.
- Meetings of the various boards and commissions have been postponed unless needed. Some meetings will take place via conference calls.
PUBLIC SAFETY
- Public access to the Public Safety building has been suspended.
MUSCATINE FIRE DEPARTMENT
- The Muscatine Fire Department continually train for and are prepared for public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 outbreak. The MFD has suspended nonessential outreach programs. The MFD will continue to respond to emergencies 24/7 and are following recommended protocols.
- For Fire/Ambulance invoices or records – please call 563-263-9922 and ask for EMS billing. If you have an invoice already please pay by mail.
- Burn permits can be applied for on line at muscatineiowa.gov.
MUSCATINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
- The Muscatine Police Department has also suspended nonessential outreach programs. The MPD will continue to respond to emergencies 24/7 but are asking the public to call the non-emergency number (563-263-9922) to report incidents when possible.
- For information on or to obtain Police Records - please call 563-263-9922 and ask to speak with Records. Record/Document fees need to be paid by check via US Mail. Documents will be sent via US Mail or email.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
- Public access to the Department of Public Works Washington Street office, the Muscatine Transfer Station on South Houser Street, and the Water and Resource Recovery Facility on Musser Street have been suspended.
- Public Works staff is on duty at each facility to answer questions by phone or email (see contact list on the City of Muscatine website).
PUBLIC TRANSIT
- Regular MuscaBus service has been discontinued. NOTICE.
- Please call 563-263-8152 to make an appointment for a ride or for more information.
SOLID WASTE DIVISION
- No interruption of services for refuse, recycling, bulky waste, or yard waste collection.
- Call 563-264-JUNK (563-264-5865) to schedule a curbside bulky waste pickup.
WATER AND RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY
- WRRF is accepting water for testing with a deposit area located just outside the lab door.
PARKS AND RECREATION
- The Parks and Recreation office located on the lower level of Muscatine City Hall has been closed to the public through April 16, 2020.
- The Muscatine Municipal Golf Course remains open for play. However, food and drink service from the Clubhouse is available only for take out.
- The Muscatine Dog Park and outdoor recreational areas will remain open.
- Kent Stein Park and the Soccer Complex will remain closed through April 16, 2020.
- The remainder of spring indoor recreation programs and special events will be cancelled.
- Reservations for city facilities have been cancelled through April 16, 2020.
- Staff developing programs to be offered through Parks and Recreation social media outlets.
- Seasonal job applications are available online along with instructions for completing and returning the applications.
- Staff is available to answer questions by phone (563-263-0241) or email (see contact list on the City of Muscatine website).
ART CENTER
- The Muscatine Art Center is closed to the public through April 16, 2020. Services and programs are available online at www.muscatineartcenter.org or on their Facebook page.
- Staff is available to answer questions by phone (563-263-8282) or by email (see contact list on the City of Muscatine website).
MUSSER PUBLIC LIBRARY
- The Musser Public Library is closed to the public through April 16, 2020. Services and programs are available online at www.musserlibrary.org or on their Facebook page.
- Staff is available to answer questions by phone (563-263-3065) or by email (see contact list on the City of Muscatine website).
What is Coronavius (COVID-19)
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and has now spread into the United States. Symptoms vary by individual but can cause severe illness, especially to older adults or those with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or approved medications for treatment at this time. Symptoms include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and can last up to 14 days.
It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends getting the flu vaccine. Influenza activity is widespread in Iowa and as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to receive the vaccine.
Reduce the risk to yourself and others
Wash hands regularly 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 an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol;
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
Cover your cough or sneeze using proper technique (use a tissue if possible and throw the tissue into the trash);
A mask will not be adequate protection to prevent you from contracting COVID-19. Mask should be worn by people who are symptomatic or believe they have contracted the illness, to help prevent the spread of your virus;
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces by using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;
Stay home and avoid public or crowded areas if you are sick;
Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
Call before going to your Medical Provider if you are symptomatic in order to avoid spreading the disease;
The State of Iowa has a COVID-19 hotline at 211, if you feel you may be infected;
Get your flu shot to protect against flu or symptoms similar to COVID-19; and
If you have recently returned from regions with ongoing COVID-19 impacts, monitor your health and immediately contact your physician if you experience flu-like symptoms.
Social Distancing Recommended
The City of Muscatine recommends social distancing at this time if you are at a higher risk for health complications or care for someone that is. This could mean staying home in non-emergent and non-essential situations, utilizing online or phone resources when possible, or taking appropriate precautions if needing to travel.
Clean and Disinfect guidance from the CDC
There is much to learn about the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on what is currently known about the novel coronavirus and similar coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS, spread from person-to-person with these viruses happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented. Transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through fomites. Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.
- Household members should educate themselves about COVID-19 symptoms and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in homes.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)
- In the bedroom/bathroom dedicated for an ill person: consider reducing cleaning frequency to as-needed (e.g., soiled items and surfaces) to avoid unnecessary contact with the ill person.
- As much as possible, an ill person should stay in a specific room and away from other people in their home, following home care guidance.
- The caregiver can provide personal cleaning supplies for an ill person’s room and bathroom, unless the room is occupied by child or another person for whom such supplies would not be appropriate. These supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants (examples at this linkpdf iconexternal icon).
- If a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by an ill person. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as practical after use by an ill person to clean and disinfect the high-touch surfaces.
- In the bedroom/bathroom dedicated for an ill person: consider reducing cleaning frequency to as-needed (e.g., soiled items and surfaces) to avoid unnecessary contact with the ill person.
- Household members should follow home care guidance when interacting with persons with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 and their isolation rooms/bathrooms.
Interim Recommendations for US Households with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019.
RESOURCES
- Iowa COVID-19 Information
- Iowa Department of Public Health
- Iowa 211 Hotline
- Centers for Disease Control
- CDC - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- CDC - Enfermedad del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‑19)
- Trinity Muscatine Public Health
Additional Documents (in PDF format):
- Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the spread of rumors
- What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Lo que necesita saber sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
- Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19
- Ayude a prevenir la propagación de virus respiratorios como el nuevo COVID-19
Muscatine Bus (MuscaBus) Enhanced Cleaning Procedures
To our valued MuscaBus Customers,
There is no higher priority than the Safety of our Customers and Employees. We are in close communication with the Iowa Department of Transportation to stay on top of this evolving Coronavirus situation. According to the most recent information from the CDC, for most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low.
We want you to feel confident when traveling with MuscaBus. As a result, we have enhanced some of our cleaning procedures in the interest of our Customer’s and Employee’s health and safety.
Vehicle Cleaning: MuscaBus has enhanced our vehicle cleaning procedures to minimize exposure. We will now wipe down all interior high-touch and handling surfaces on all vehicles with disinfectant each day prior to public service. In addition, we will continue to detail the entire interior of the vehicle twice per week including disinfection of all surfaces. This goes beyond standard protocols and any federal guidelines.
Diligence in personal hygiene: The Transit encourages all workers to be diligent in personal hygiene procedures and stay away from work should symptoms occur. This will help to proactively limit the spread of contagions and minimize risk to all customers and staff.
Thanks to our customers in helping to minimize any disruption of service or spread of this virus.