Black Hawk County Health Department is working around the clock with local government and community partners to respond to the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in our community.

This website is meant to help Black Hawk County residents, businesses, media, and others better understand what is happening in our community, and how best to prepare and respond as the situation evolves.

 
March 17, 2020
In accordance with Governor Reynolds Public Health Proclamation I ask that all Rotary activities of more than 10 people be cancelled until April 16.  Details of her proclamation are available here
 
We are in the process of gathering information on virtual meetings to allow you as Rotarians an outlet for learning and interaction while still protecting the idea of "social distancing". If you or your club are aware of such virtual events, please forward them for inclusion in the listing that will be available on our website.
 
I must say, I for one had not imagined ever having to experience a pandemic in the United States would affect us this way. Please remember the importance disease prevention and treatment as well as Rotary's role in this very important area of focus.
 
 
Yours in Service,
Michelle Bell
District 5970 Governor 2019-2020

Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club

March 15, 2020
 
Hi All,
 
Several hours after I sent my email off Saturday stating that we would be having our meeting on Monday, all Rotary club presidents and president-elects received an email from Rotary International President Mark Maloney asking us to cancel club meetings and events.  I've copied a portion of the letter that explains the position of Rotary International.
 
"In the meantime, this is an opportunity for us to demonstrate that Rotary Connects the World in innovative ways. We should be closely following the advice of the WHO and local health authorities. Again, this includes canceling Rotary club events and meetings in the short term to reduce unnecessary interactions that could cause infections. We can put a greater emphasis on the work we do in our communities by helping our less fortunate neighbors cope with the effects of isolation and fear, or by supporting our health authorities to address this situation."
 
In the spirit of this directive, we will be canceling the remaining meetings in March. We will reevaluate again in April.  I'm sorry for the confusion but would like to reiterate what was described in the letter is our commitment to our communities and working to be innovative in our approach to stay connected as a Club.  To stay connected I ask that everyone keep informed of Rotary through the following:
 
Rotary Reporter:  Look for Rotarians of the week, updates on Rotary actions and other local Rotary interest stories.
 
Website:  Our website has much of the information that is in the Reporter each week but has all of our historic information as well.
 
Facebook:  Our Facebook page is a place for posting topics for information and comments.  If you haven't friended our page please do so now.
 
In the next couple of weeks our committee on the Rotary Shelter will be meeting out at George Wyth State Park to go over the items that need work and develop a list of things to do out there.  Look for more information as this project progresses.
 
Also, we do have our regularly scheduled board meeting on the 30th which may be a Zoom or Teams meeting.
 
We have many Rotarians that are active in the community and may have some ideas on how our Club can provide service during this time.  Please email or call me with any suggestions that you may have.
 
Thank you for your understanding.  Even though we are not meeting we will try and stay connected.
 
Mark Durbahn
Waterloo Club President
(319) 232-1742
 
>>

Rotary International is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and continuously assessing the potential impact on Rotary operations, events, and training meetings. 

With an increase in total global cases, we recommend that Rotary members and participants follow the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and your national, regional, or state health authorities to protect the health and safety of our members and program participants. If it’s recommended, postpone or cancel in-person meetings or hold them online or by phone. If there are travel advisories, exercise caution, during district or club travel. If you have any questions about travel related to a global grant, contact your regional grants officer.

The Rotary International Convention is still scheduled for 6-10 June in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. We’re following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which “did not recommend any travel or trade restrictions, based on the current information available,” in its latest statement on the topic.

We will continue to watch for developments and follow the recommendations of WHO, the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will prepare to make any necessary adjustments to our plans for the Rotary International Convention. We will take all precautions that are needed to protect convention attendees. Your health and safety are our top priorities.

We will keep you informed through riconvention.org, through the Convention News newsletter, and by email.

Check our travel ban list to confirm that travel to your intended destination is permitted.