Washington County leaders host meeting to discuss next steps

WASHINGTON COUNTY - Washington County leaders held a zoom meeting Tuesday, April 28, to discuss how local industries would move forward while still under the governor's restrictions until May 15.

On April 27 Gov. Reynolds gave a proclamation that non-essential retail can open in 77 of Iowa's 99 counties. These include shops such as home furnishings, jewelry and shoe stores. Stores must limit the number of customers present to 50% of its maximum legal capacity according to the proclamation.

These changes go into effect May 1 for the 77 counties, which includes Jefferson County. All other restrictions are in place until at least May 15 as Washington County was identified as one of 22 in the state that will not be permitted to open completely.

At the Washington County Hospital and Clinics (WCHC), CEO Todd Patterson said with restrictions lifted on elective surgeries, those will continue next Monday.

In response to COVID-19, the hospital opened a respiratory clinic, he said, and has seen a steady decrease in cases. Currently about 100 tests a week are being administered with about 10 percent resulting in confirmed cases. Previously 33 percent of cases were confirmed as positive.

Washington County Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski said although the number has gone down, it is important to keep an eye on the numbers in the coming days. With some surrounding counties having less restrictions, that could encourage travel which could result in a higher number of cases in surrounding areas.

In the city, restrictions are still being followed, said Washington City Administrator Brent Hinson. Parks are still closed but trails are open to the public.

Riverside City Administrator Chris Yancy said the same restrictions apply in her city and the city hall still is closed and will remain so.

City officials in Wellman and Ainsworth also reported the restrictions currently in place will remain that way for the foreseeable future.

On the law enforcement side of things, Washington County Sheriff Jared Schneider said services have continued, but have had to be adapted to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Visitation is currently not available, he said, and there is no set date when it will be available again.

Local educators also reported about changes moving forward. Tera Pickens, Director of the Kirkwood Washington County Regional Center, said across a seven county region, Kirkwood has chosen to make all of its classes online for the summer semester.

Looking forward to the fall, administrators are still looking for the best solution and are considering cutting down on class size and reducing offerings to adhere to social distancing guidelines, should they still be in place.