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After the first positive COVID-19 test for a Union County resident last week, emergency management director Jo Duckworth urged the Union County Board of Supervisors to sign a declaration of a public health emergency at its regular meeting Monday.
Whereas all available information indicates that COVID-19 currently possesses a substantial widespread risk of infection leading to a significant risk of harm to the population of Union County ... the Union County Board of Supervisors hereby declare the emergence of COVID-19 in Union County a public health disaster emergency.
The disaster declaration was approved unanimously by the board and will continue as long as the governor of Iowa’s disaster declaration remains in effect.
Duckworth said she had held off on the declaration in order to not “unduly alarm” residents but, with the positive test in the county, felt it was time to act.
Duckworth said Union County residents should not listen to rumors and should stay calm as the medical and emergency community has followed protocols regarding who should be notified about the identity of the resident who tested positive..
“Keep your wits about you,” she said. “The proper people have notified the proper people.”
The emergency proclamation will allow the county to apply for and receive any state or federal assistance that may be offered. Duckworth said she does not anticipate either entity offering individual assistance for this disaster.
“This disaster is so different from a natural disaster where you fix a house or replace a furnace,” Duckworth said.
Local disaster relief funds may be available at a later date. Duckworth said she would prefer to make certain there will be funds available before offering relief. The Union County Disaster Relief Fund, which was established in 2012 to allow residents to donate, currently does not have enough funds to distribute.
Those who would like to contribute to the fund may contact Duckworth at 641-782-1622 or donate directly at Iowa State Savings Bank.
“There will be unmet needs in the county,” Duckworth said.
There is a procedure in place to distribute funds that are donated. Duckworth said the account is administered by Wayne Pantini of Union County Development and herself. They will work with MATURA to determine eligibility and to avoid duplicating services.
Masks
Members of the community have donated 300 to 400 homemade face masks directly to the Union County Emergency Management Agency. Duckworth said she still has donated fabric left. Those who are willing and able to make masks my pick up the materials from her office.
Currently, there is a need for homemade reusable gowns. Duckworth said she also has fabric available for anyone who would like to help with that project. A cotton/poly blend works best for this purpose. Duckworth is accepting donations of fabric for this as well.
Food
The area food pantries are feeling the effect of the shutdown and job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Duckworth said. They are asking for donations. Mark O’Riley, of the Creston Area Food Pantry, has previously stated that monetary donations go farther than donated products as he can purchase items from the Food Bank of Iowa at a much lower price. Donations of food and other items are still welcomed.
Duckworth said she received a request from Connections Area Agency on Aging for help delivering meals to seniors. She directed them to Southern Iowa Trolley, which has agreed to help. SiT has time available due to the low ridership during this crisis.