Fairfield’s response to the coronavirus

To the Editor:

To reduce concerns whether all our citizens are getting needed information on the COVID-19 virus, and to help get through this crisis, I'm writing this letter.

Many have asked about a Shelter-in-Place order for Fairfield. Only the Governor can order this. The Governor has shut down many businesses to reduce the spread of the virus. What is in place now is enforceable, and any violation is considered a simple misdemeanor.

In the absence of a Shelter-in-Place order by the Governor, I'm urging all our citizens to follow the guidelines in place now:

' stay at home as much as possible

' work from home if you can

' avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people

' go to the store only for essentials and only when necessary

' only have 1 person in the family shop for essentials

' wear a mask in public when you are around others, such as at the grocery store

' keep 6 feet away from others

' wash hands frequently for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer

It may be inconvenient, but we must take it seriously to protect our families, friends, community, and healthcare workers. All of these measures are to limit the spread of the virus and to make sure our healthcare workers are not overwhelmed with patients at the same time.

I want to thank our Public Health Department Administrator, Chris Estle, our Emergency Management Coordinator Brett Ferrel, our Jefferson County Health Center, and all our partners helping reduce this COVID-19 pandemic. They are meeting daily, preparing for the worst while hoping these preparations will not need to be implemented.

Here is a list of places on the Internet to get information and regular updates:

' Jefferson County Public Health Facebook page

' Fairfield Mayor's Facebook page

' Jefferson County Health Center website and Facebook page

' City of Fairfield website and Facebook page

' Fairfield Economic Development Association web site

' Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce website

' Iowa Public Department of Health website

' Center for Disease Control (CDC) web site

Through April, we will be having a live stream local press conference each Thursday at 11:45 AM. To watch this, go to www.youtube.com/fairfieldmediacenter. This will be recorded so you can watch it later as well.

Also, please listen to the local radio station and read the local paper (especially if you don't have access to the Internet or to Facebook). The Jefferson County Public Health Department sends a press release with updated information daily.

We all have a responsibility to do the right thing by following the guidelines above.

Please stay well and safe. Together as a team, with each of us doing our part, we will get through this crisis.

Thank you so much for taking action,

Connie Boyer, Mayor of Fairfield