The COVID-10 pandemic has forced many local governments and groups to find creative ways to conduct official business. On Monday, the Sioux City council held a meeting with social distancing. Council Member Alex Watters chose to attend the meeting by phone. He is in self isolation and shares his thoughts on the new coronavirus, the state’s response and what issue is keeping him up at night. Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer reached him by phone the day after the council meeting. Watters

There are 19 more confirmed cases of COVD-19 in Iowa for a total of 124. None of the new cases involve anyone in the Siouxland area. Governor Kim Reynolds is planning a news conference for 2:30 this afternoon that you can hear her on Siouxland Pubic Media, More COVID-19 cases have been reported in five Nebraska counties, bring the state total to 61. One of the new cases involves a woman in her 30s from Madison County who has underlying medical conditions. She has not left her home since symptoms

The COVID-10 pandemic has forced many local governments and groups to get creative when it comes to conducting official business. As Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer reports, Sioux City leaders briefly talked about the virus during a social-distancing meeting on Monday. Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott says he has heard concerns over the city not issuing an order forcing people to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scott says it’s not legally possible. “And, for those of you who think the

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says the State Hygienic Lab now has the capacity of conducting 620 tests. The announcement comes as public health officials announced one new case of coronavirus in the state, bringing the total positive cases here to 45. There has been a shortage of tests nationwide. Reynolds says the state is working with private companies to try and come up with solutions for shortages in medical supplies. Reynolds admits she doesn’t know the number of ventilators available in the state

032020 Noon Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed an emergency declaration designed to offer an array of relief to state residents as efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus also slow the economy. The state public health emergency declaration, among other things, temporarily suspends collection of property taxes, some home evictions, and certain regulation fees and penalties. It also allows bars and restaurants to sell unopened bottles of alcohol for consumption off-premises. The declaration

031820 504 Siouxland District Health said this morning that, so far there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Woodbury County. At a news conference at Western Iowa Tech, Deputy director Tyler Brock was asked about the limited supply of tests for the virus. “The focus is getting people tested who need it the most. O.K. Folks with mild system are going to be told they don’t need to be tested, ok?” Brock said he couldn’t put an exact number on tests conducted in Woodbury County. But, says all

Health care providers are likely going to tell patients who are displaying mild symptoms of COVID-19 that they don't need to be tested for the virus, Siouxland District Health Department Deputy Director Tyler Brock said Wednesday morning during a news conference at the Security Institute on Western Iowa Tech Community College's campus. According to Brock, testing for the novel coronavirus has been and is being performed in Woodbury County. So far, there have been no cases of COVID-19 confirmed

031820 Noon Siouxland District Health says so far there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Woodbury County. This morning, officials with the public health entity, held a news conference to talk about the limited number of tests available for potential patients. Deputy director Tyler Brock explains. “The focus is getting people tested who need it the most. O.K. Folks with mild system are going to be told they don’t need to be tested, ok?” Brock said he couldn’t put an exact number on tests

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an emergency declaration today concerning COVID-19. She ordered restaurants, bars, fitness centers, theaters and casinos to close for two weeks as part of a public health emergency plan designed to ease the community spread of the illness. Reynolds also prohibited mass gatherings and events of more than 10 people including parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Senior citizen centers and adult day care facilities have been closed. The closures are

The head of Siouxland District Health tells Siouxland Public Media there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Woodbury County. Kevin Grieme says his department is keeping in close contact with state health officials and health providers locally. Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts released new guidelines today when it comes to the coronavirus. They include limiting public events and gathering to 50 people or less. Dozens of Iowa school districts including Sioux City Community Schools are