ATTENTION: Allamakee County officials release the following information regarding area rumors in relation to COVID-19 ...

From: Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency, Allamakee County Public Health and the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office

The following release is to provide information related to various rumors and statements specific to the community of Postville and to also provide additional information related to the COVID-19 response within Allamakee County.

There have been numerous calls, emails and social media posts reference the arrival of busloads of people within Postville from outside jurisdictions.  In conversation with the local officials in Postville, to include law enforcement and the leadership within the community mentioned, there is no evidence or credible proof that this is occurring. While travel is recommended to be restricted in many cases from certain areas, this is not mandated, and people are still free to travel within the United States.  Our guidance to everyone is to avoid unnecessary travel at this time and social distancing is in place.

While a voluntary testing site was conducted in Postville earlier this week, there has been new statements heard reference further testing sites being set up in this area and this is untrue. Any new testing within the county would be done with coordination with Allamakee County Public Health, Allamakee County Emergency Management and the State of Iowa, and this is not taking place.

We are unable to release specific cities or locations within the county of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and this information will remain to be just by county of residence alone.

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are contacted daily by Public Health and everyone within that home is instructed to stay quarantined within that home until released by Public Health.  Many individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are currently off isolation and are able to freely move about.  On Mondays and Fridays Public Health will release how many current positive cases reside in the county, how many have recovered, how many tests have been processed through the State Hygienic Lab from Allamakee County, any deaths due to COVID-19 and how many positive cases are currently hospitalized.This information will be provided to the public through local media sources.

Additionally, Allamakee County Emergency Management, in addition to many other counties throughout the State, has been provided a single Liaison Officer from the Iowa National Guard. This support has been provided to aid counties in the planning and preparation of potential contingency situations and their support has been greatly appreciated as we continue to move forward in response to this pandemic. National Guard units are also supporting the State with delivery of Personal Protective Equipment needed by healthcare providers and emergency responders. This included a delivery to Allamakee County.

Finally, we are asking people to be cautious and skeptical of what they read on social media and hear in conversation. Please understand local county and city authorities are aware of the above-mentioned concerns and are working with the various agencies and organizations mentioned in these comments to address credibility and concerns to determine if any action is warranted and/or needed.

Point of contact is Corey Snitker, Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency at 563-568-4233 or email at csnitker@co.allamakee.ia.us.