Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

What is the City of Muscatine doing?

The City is committed to protecting the health of its employees and citizens during this health crisis. The City will continue to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and will follow guidance from Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Updates/Changes to City Services:

City staff continue to provide service to its constituents. All residents, contractors, and others are encouraged to do business with the City via phone, private appointments, online meetings, email, or this website. Find contact information now.

The Departments of Community Development, Housing, and Parks & Recreation at Muscatine City Hall are currently closed to the public. Finance, Human Resources, and Administration located on the main floor are open to the public.

The City of Muscatine currently requires masks to be worn by visitors to all City buildings.

COVID-19 in IOWA (JPG) Opens in new window

COVID Update Provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health

COVID 19 Status Page (JPG) Opens in new windowCOVID-19 Update Provided By The Muscatine Fire Department

Case Investigation and Contact Tracing: What to do if you think you have been exposed

Contact Tracing 05052020 (JPG)

Case investigation and contact tracing are essential tools in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.  When an individual is tested, and confirmed COVID-19 positive, case investigation and contact tracing begins. There are two branches of case investigation and contact tracing as described by the Iowa Department of Public Health infographic above.

When a case is confirmed, case investigation begins, and contacts are determined.  Contacts who are exhibiting symptoms or tests positive are considered confirmed, are asked to isolate for 14 days, and are asked to give details about individuals they have been in contact with.  Subsequently if a contact shows no signs of symptoms, they MUST still isolate themselves from other people and pets for a minimum of 14 days.  If the contact still exhibits no symptoms after 14 days, they are released from self-isolation and encouraged to follow public health guidance. 

Another topic of conversation, and one that needs explanation, is exposure.  What is considered exposure and what to do if you feel you have been exposed?  Exposure is determined through case investigation and contact tracing performed by local and state health officials. At its most basic, an individual has been exposed if he or she has been in close contact with a confirmed or presumptive COVID-19 positive individual.  Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet or less of an infected or presumed infected individual for 15 minutes or more.  If you have been contacted by a state or local health official it is imperative that you answer the call and give as much factual and pertinent information as you can.  If you feel you have been exposed and have not received a call for contact tracing, please call your local health care provider or local and state public health departments for further guidance.

During a pandemic it, it is hard to know what to do, who to trust, and where to go to seek help.  It is important now more than ever to trust the experts like healthcare professionals, epidemiologists, virologists, and the scientific community at large.  These individuals devote their entire professional careers to understanding the characteristics of diseases like COVID-19.  They study the origins, the traits, who it affects, and how it spreads.  They develop best practice guidance and continue to update that guidance as their understanding of the disease develops over time. 

It is important to let the health care officials perform the case investigation and contact tracing.  They are best able to determine the level of exposure and set a course of action for any individual to take regardless of the situation they find themselves in. 

Together, through case investigation, contact tracing, and preventative measures we can slow the spread of this disease.  For more information on exposure, case investigation, and contact tracing, visit: https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/Local-Public-Health

  1. State and Local Updates
  2. About 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.

Reopening Guidelines

Iowa Department of Public Health Reopening Guidance

CDC Reopening Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting

PROCLAMATIONS BY THE MAYOR OF MUSCATINE

PROCLAMATIONS BY THE MUSCATINE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION

MUSCATINE COUNTY RELEASES

STATE PRESS RELEASES

Iowa Department of Public Health News Releases

STATE DECLARATIONS/INFORMATION

LOCAL PROGRAM AND SERVICE UPDATES

STATE SERVICES

Assistance for Iowa Renters and Homeowners impacted by COVID-19

CITY SERVICES

Presentation to the Muscatine City Council on May 7, 2020

Presentation to the Muscatine City Council on April 9, 2020

TRANSFER STATION BACK TO "NORMAL"

JUNE 8, 2020 - The Muscatine Transfer Station is back to normal, or as close to normal as possible, with the tipping floor open to the public, the Compost Facility open to residents and non-residents, and Compost Facility stickers now available from the clerk at the Transfer Station office or the attendant at the Compost Facility shed. READ MORE

MUSCATINE CITY HALL OPENS TO THE PUBLIC JUNE 8

June 5, 2020 - Muscatine City Hall reopened its doors to the public on June 8. with certain restrictions. Public entry into the building will be the main front door with handicap accessibility available on the lower level. Those entering the building will be asked to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. Walk-in traffic will be limited and the City urges anyone who needs to visit City Hall and speak to a staff person to call ahead and set up an appointment.  READ MORE

Most applications are available online including: Building permits, public housing applications, voucher/section 8 applications, and employment. 

COUNCIL CONTINUES TO MEET IN VIRTUAL SESSIONS

June 1, 2020 - Muscatine City Council meetings continue to be held virtually. Information on attending the virtual meets is available on the Council agendas. Recorded versions will be available on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Cable Channel 2.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES ON JUNE 1, 2020

MAY 28, 2020 - The City of Muscatine will end the temporary suspension of certain parking ordinances on Monday, June 1. As businesses in the downtown area are now open or in the process of opening, the City will begin to enforce the City Code provisions requiring coins be placed in the parking meters located both on-street and in the various downtown parking lots. READ MORE

MUSCATINE ART CENTER REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC ON JUNE 9

May 28, 2020 - The Muscatine Art Center will reopen their doors to the public on Tuesday, June 9, with restrictions. Visitors to the Muscatine Art Center are asked to enter through the main door off of Mulberry Street so that they can be welcomed at the front desk. Individuals who need wheelchair accessible entry from the Stanley Gallery parking lot may call (563) 263-8282 for assistance and directions. READ MORE

MUSCABUS CONTINUES SHUTTLE SERVICE - ROUTES RESUME JUNE 29

May 27, 2020 - MuscaBus will continue to provide shuttle service by appointment only through June 28 with passengers required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. Fares will also continue to be suspended through June 28. Those who purchased an April pass will be able to use that pass through July 31. Regular route service and the collection of fares will resume on Monday, June 29, 2020. READ MORE

MUSSER PUBLIC LIBRARY REOPENS TO THE PUBLIC ON JUNE 1

May 27, 2020 - The Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center will allow the public inside the facility starting Monday, June 1, with restrictions put in place. Access into the facility be  be through the north (handicap) entrance on East 2nd Street. The East entrance (parking lot entrance) will remain closed to the public. READ MORE

PUBLIC SAFETY ACCESS STILL RESTRICTED

Public access to the Public Safety building is restricted. The Muscatine Fire Department continually train for and are prepared for public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 outbreak, and will continue to respond to emergencies 24/7 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 PERMITS on the Fire & EMS page of the City of Muscatine web site.

The Muscatine Police Department 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.

PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES ARE OPENING

  • The Parks and Recreation office located on the lower level of Muscatine City Hall is open.
  • The Muscatine Municipal Golf Course, Muscatine Dog Park, and outdoor recreational areas including Kent Stein Park are open. The Soccer Complex remains closed.
  • Reservations for city facilities are being accepted.
  • Virtual programs continue to be provided through Parks and Recreation social media outlets.
  • Seasonal job applications are available online along with instructions for completing and returning the applications.

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.