For those wondering if, when or how a business in the local area is conducting business during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the accompanying listing has been compiled to let area residents know how these businesses are still working hard to meet the wants and needs of their local customers. Please use this listing to help meet your needs while helping to support our local business establishments during this challenging time. THANK YOU! This listing is also available in the April 15 issue of The Standard newspaper and NE Iowa Extra shopper!
When emergency personnel respond to a 911 call, their primary concern is always to take care of the needs of the patients or victims who are the focus of the emergency call.
But during a pandemic such as what the entire world is currently facing with the COVID-19 outbreak, those responding now need to coordinate even greater measures to take care of themselves as well.
STAYING HEALTHY
Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick explained how important it is to keep people who are first on the scene of an emergency response healthy.
“COVID-19 has really changed how we respond. We need to get the people the services they need, but we also don’t want to deplete our resources (by exposing emergency personnel),” said Mellick.
Mellick said when law enforcement is called to the scene of an incident, they are donning PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including an N-95 mask and safety glasses.
A week similar to the very first week of confirmed Allamakee County cases of COVID-19 played out this past week within the county, as six new cases were reported over a period of four different days. It was one month ago, March 15, that the first confirmed cases were reported for Allamakee County and began a week of six initial confirmed cases, with this past week equaling that same initial week number to leave the total confirmed case count at 23 for Allamakee County.
Reported through Monday, April 13 by Allamakee County Public Health
Total confirmed cases to date: 23
Cases requiring hospitalization: 5 total, 3 currently
Deaths due to COVID-19: 1
Cases recovered/off isolation: 15
Cases currently recovering in isolation: 4
Number of tests sent to State Hygienic Lab (SHL)**: 63
Number of negative tests processed at SHL: 46
Number of tests pending at SHL: 0
Michele Wood (photo above) of Waukon recently painted an Easter greeting on the outside window of her grandmother’s room at Good Samaritan Society-Waukon prior to the Easter holiday observed Sunday, April 12. Her grandmother, Dorothy Gelo (pictured below in photo taken through the window), was able to watch the creation being completed from inside her room at the facility. Wood and the Gelo family appreciate Good Samaritan Society-Waukon allowing the opportunity to share some Easter spirit within their family during this time when they can’t physically be together. Submitted photos.
State 4-H Recognition is the process in which 4-H members in grades 9-12 can apply to be selected for opportunities such as State 4-H Project Awards, State 4-H Council, Shooting Sports Ambassadors and Iowa 4-H Reporters, and to attend National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference. Participating 4-H youth complete written applications and participate in interviews with a panel of adult evaluators.
Video teleconferencing was used for this year’s Recognition Day because of social distancing recommendations from Iowa State University due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 125 youth took part in 230 interviews for special statewide opportunities. Allamakee County 4-H’ers Diana Davison and Faith Palmer applied, interviewed and received recognition at this year’s event.
The Plaza project at the stoplight intersection in downtown Waukon will be moving forward, with construction scheduled to begin this week, depending upon weather. Pictured above is the frame of the LED sign, owned by Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and in place for several years at that downtown location, that was recently removed to accommodate the Plaza project and is expected to be reinstalled on the WEDC property in the 100 block of West Main Street sometime in the future. A steel and plexiglass sculpture art piece entitled “Crossroads” by artist Cara Briggs Farmer will be placed at the former LED sign location as part of the Plaza project.
For 108 years, Girl Scouts has been there in times of crisis and turmoil, and in light of the COVID-19 crisis, the organization is providing digital program content to earn badges and participate in fun and educational activities at home. From crafts and science projects to virtual events, the regional Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois council is providing resources to keep girls and their entire families active.
After making plans for its 2020 River Clean-Up, the Board of Directors of Friends of Pool 9 (FOP9) has voted to cancel the clean-up for the present time, based on the coronavirus danger to all participants. It may take place at a later date this spring, if the opportunity is available.
While public boat ramps and fishing accesses are still open across Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds boaters to abide by the physical distancing protocols recommended by the state to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Boat ramps have been crowded this past week with the warm weather. The DNR advises only one boat use a ramp at a time to help prevent contact with other boaters.
A day on the water could provide the calm people need right now. Boaters need to be sure to follow these recommendations to keep themselves and their family safe:
• Keep at least six feet of distance from other boaters and avoid popular areas where people congregate.
• Stick with immediate family, but keep groups to fewer than 10 people.
• Bring along hand sanitizer.
• Clean surfaces that others may have touched (e.g boat dock handrails) with wet wipes.
