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The state Department of Public Health has requested Iowans returning from several countries where the novel coronavirus is spreading to self-isolate for 14 days.
The department issued the request Tuesday that those returning from China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea voluntarily stay home and monitor for COVID 19 symptoms.
Caitlin Pedati is the state medical director.
What we’re trying to get at is avoiding being in close contact with other people. So staying home from work and school, not attending any sort of large gatherings or group events.
Pedati says the COVID 19 risk is still low for Iowans. So far there have been no confirmed cases in the state.
Voters are going to the polls in several Siouxland communities today. Woodbury County Auditor Pat Gill expects turnout out to be low, about 10%, for a $50 million dollar preproposal for a new jail and law enforcement center.
Polls in Woodbury County close at 8 p.m.
People in Monona County are deciding the fate of a $6.2 million jail. That measure needs 60% approval to pass.
Three school districts are voting as well. There’s a $37 million bond issue for a new school for MOC-Floyd Valley in Sioux County and other ballot issues for the Sergeant Bluff-Luton School District and Woodbury Central in Moville.
The amount of water being released into the Missouri River from Gavins Point Dam will be decreased somewhat this week, so the river levels won't interfere with ongoing levee repairs downstream.
