5:06 p.m. Thursday, March 26 - First case of COVID-19 confirmed in Dickinson County

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4:40 p.m. Thursday, March 26 - Everly Public Library closes doors, will maintain phone, Facebook requests

As of noon on March 26 the Everly Public Library has closed its doors to patrons until further notice. They are still accepting book requests by telephone 712-834-2390, email everlylibrary@gmail.com, and through Facebook Messenger. The Wi-Fi is being left on during this time for patrons to use. The password is posted on front door.

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3:49 p.m. Thursday, March 26 - Governor orders additional closures, extends others
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds expanded the closures of businesses in the state. She also expanded all the current closures - of restaurants and bars; salons and spas and health clubs among the list, for another week, until at least April 7.
She also ordered the halting of all elective, nonessential surgical and dental procedures.
Retail impacted include: Book stores; clothing and shoe stores; jewelry stores; luggage stores; cosmetic, perfume and beauty supply stores; furniture stores; florists and home furnishing stores.

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3:38 p.m. Thursday, March 26 - Record number of unemployment claims in Iowa last week

Iowa Capital Dispatch - A record 41,890 Iowans applied for unemployment last week, showing just how disruptive the COVID-19 pandemic has been to Iowa’s economy and workforce.

For the week of March 15, 13,364 food-service workers filed unemployment claims, which is one of the hardest-hit industries that screeched to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an emergency declaration on March 17 ordering restaurants and bars to cease dine-in services, resulting in massive layoffs across the state as officials try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Iowa Workforce Development reported about 5,000 Iowa health care and social assistance workers filed unemployment claims last week. Health care and social assistance was the second-largest industry to experience layoffs.

A total of $10.7 million of unemployment insurance benefits were paid to Iowans last week.

Nationally, a record 3.3 million people filed for unemployment, according to numbers released by the U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday.

State officials eased unemployment filing restrictions earlier this month with the expectation that Iowa businesses would suffer closures and layoffs due to COVID-19.

Workers who file for unemployment receive a weekly payout based on their wages and number of dependents.

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12:26 p.m. Thursday, March 26 - 34 more positive cases in Iowa, total of 179

The Iowa Department of Public Health says 34 more people have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The announcement on Thursday brings the total cases in Iowa to 179 . There has been one death in Iowa related to COVID-19.
According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 34 individuals include:

Appanoose County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
Black Hawk County, 1 middle-age adult (18-40 years)
Cedar County, 1 middle-age (18-40 years), 1 older (61-80 years), 1 elderly (81+)
Clayton County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Des Moines County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Jasper County, 1 elderly (81+)
Johnson County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 4 middle-aged adults (41-60 years), 1 older (61-80 years)
Linn County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 3 middle-aged adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Mahaska County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Monona County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Page County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)
Polk County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 middle-aged (41-60 years), 1 older (61-80 years)
Pottawattamie County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)
Scott County, 1 elderly, 3 middle-aged (41-60 years)
Sioux County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Washington County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)

As of 3/25/2020, there have been 2,578 negative COVID-19 test results reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.

Of the positive cases, 31 are currently hospitalized, 15 are discharged from hospital and recovering, 81 were never hospitalized and one has died.

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3:33 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 - Remote notarization now in effect

DES MOINES – The in-person requirement for notarizing documents is temporarily waived for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, Governor Reynolds declared earlier this week. The requirements are subject to guidance provided by Iowa Secretary of State of State Paul Pate.
A new law allowing remote notarization in Iowa was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2020. Governor Reynolds declaration accelerates the timeline.
“I’ve been a longtime advocate for remote notarization as long as the integrity measures are kept in place,” Secretary Pate said. “During this crisis, waiving the in-person requirement is a necessity. We want to help Iowans conduct important business and other vital transactions while maintaining social distancing. Remote notarization will help commerce continue.”
The temporary guidelines that apply during the emergency waiver of the in-person requirement are below:
The new remote notary law is currently scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2020. Notaries are advised that as that date approaches, we will be reevaluating what the changeover will look like and will issue further guidance at that time. Questions may be emailed to the Secretary of State’s Office at notary@sos.iowa.gov.
Under the emergency declaration, remote notarial acts must conform to all the provisions in Iowa Administrative Code 721-43, Iowa Code chapter 9B, and every provision of Section 6 of Senate File 475.
Section 6 requires the use a software service designed for the purpose of facilitating remote online notarization, as opposed to services that primarily offer video-conferencing ability. Online notarization services include the necessary identity-proofing, e-signing and recording/storage capabilities.
Even though the revised administrative rules are not yet in effect, the ARC 4997C draft is available online and will help notaries ensure they will be in compliance when they do take effect: legis.iowa.gov/docs/aco/bulletin/03-25-2020.pdf.
Section 6 requires notaries to register with our office before performing any remote notarial acts. A web application is available to complete and submit on our website at this address: sos.iowa.gov/remotenotary.
It is strongly advised that notaries follow the training on how to use the remote online notarization service provided by the service they choose.
Verification of the customer’s identity is of critical. Notaries are advised to be certain that the video resolution through the service they choose is sufficient to see identity-proofing documents clearly, and that the audio clarity is sufficient to understand everything the customer says.
Notaries are reminded that they are professionally responsible for properly performing notarizations under the law, even in this emergency context.

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2:04 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 - Local Avera Medical Group clinics increase visitor restrictions

For the safety of patients and healthcare workers, new visitor restrictions are in place at three local clinics - Avera Medical Group Spencer, Milford Family Care and Sioux Rapids Family Care.

Adult patients are not be allowed to bring guests into the clinic unless clinic staff deems there is a clinical reason for that guest (such as patient safety). Until the time that COVID-19 no longer poses a public health threat, all patients and guests will be screened. Patients with symptoms of fever over 100 degrees, cough or shortness of breath will be asked to leave the clinic and call the appropriate clinic. No guests will be allowed with these symptoms.

Exceptions to the visitor guidelines may include the following:
Children under the age of 18 may have an advocate, parent, or guardian. Underage siblings are not permitted to visit.
OB patients may have one partner for ultrasounds only. Other routine checks: no guests.
Patients with confusion, altered mental status, developmental delays, or agitation, where a family member or advocate can provide safety and support, may have 1 advocate/support person at the discretion of the care team.
Patients who require an escort for assistance related to mobility, interpretation, or health care decision making may have one additional assistance person.
Patients walking in for ancillary testing only should not be accompanied by a guest.
Advocates, parents and guests who meet the above criteria must also comply with the following instructions:
Either immediate family members, powers of attorney, guardians or patient representatives
No guests may be under 18 years of age, unless specified above.
Guests must be free of fever (by report or measured, if available), cough or shortness of breath that has appeared in the last 14 days.
Except for transit to and from, guests are to stay in the clinic room for the duration of their visit.
Guests must follow staff instructions regarding hand washing and use of personal protective equipment
Remember, call your clinic first.
Avera Medical Group Spencer - 712-264-3500
Milford Family Care - 712-338-2461
Sioux Rapids Family Care - 712-283-2723

COVID-19 Call Center:

Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday
Local: 712-264-6514
Toll Free: 1-800-848-0638

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11:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 - 21 new cases of COVID-19, total of 145, one death in Iowa

New data just released by the Iowa Department of Public Health has the number of Covid-19 cases at 145. This Is an increase of 21 from yesterday. There are still no confirmed cases in Clay or its contiguous counties.
As of 3/24/2020, there have been 2,315 negative COVID-19 test results reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.
One man, between the ages of 61-80, in Dubuque passed away from the disease. That is the first death associated with COVID-19 in the state.
According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 21 individuals include:

Allamakee County 1 middle-aged adults (41-60 years)
Benton County, 2 middle-aged adults (41-60 years)
Hancock County, 1 middle-aged adults (41-60 years)
Johnson County, 4 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
Linn County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)
Muscatine County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
Polk County, 3 older adults (61-80 years)
Poweshiek County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
Scott County, 2 middle-aged (41-60 years)
Washington County, 2 adults (18-40 years.)

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11:50 a.m. Tuesday, March 24 - 19 new cases of COVID - 19 since yesterday. Clay County still clear

The Iowa Department of Public Health has just updated its daily tally of COVID-19 cases across the state. There are now 124 cases, up 19 from yesterday.
There are currently no reported positive cases in Clay County, or any of its contiguous counties.

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4:08 p.m., Monday, March 23 - Pate extends voting period to 40 days for mailed ballots in June primary

DES MOINES – Secretary of State Paul Pate is extending the absentee voting period to 40 days for Iowans who choose to vote by mail in the June primary. He is also encouraging Iowans to cast ballots by mail, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This change will allow voters more time to send their ballots and provide county auditors a longer window for processing.
Curbside voting, as always, is an option for Iowans with disabilities and those who might have difficulty entering a polling place. This option will also be available in the June primary to voters who are in the high-risk population for the coronavirus.
The absentee voting period for mailed ballots in the June primary will begin on April 23. Iowans can request an absentee ballot from their county auditor now. For more information, visit VoterReady.Iowa.gov.

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4:07 p.m., Monday, March 23 - Governor announces Iowa Small Business Relief Fund

Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham this afternoon announced the creation of the Iowa Small Business Relief Fund in response to COVID-19.
Program highlights:
• Businesses with 2-25 employees prior to March 17 may apply for microgrants up to $25,000. Businesses that receive a grant will automatically be granted an extension to their sales and withholding taxes; business that do not receive the grant can apply for the tax deferments separately.
• Businesses with 50 or fewer employers may apply for deferment of their unemployment tax until July 31.
Applications will be available 8 a.m. Tuesday at https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/our-agency-detail-resources/6710/. This program is in addition to the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan eligibility for Iowa businesses announced over the weekend.

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12:22 p.m., Monday, March 23 - Iowa COVID-19 totals rise to 105

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 15 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 105 positive cases. There have been a total of 2,043 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.

According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 15 individuals include:

• Allamakee County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
• Dubuque County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Hancock County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
• Johnson County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
• Linn County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)
• Muscatine County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)
• Polk County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)
• Wapello County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Woodbury County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at other labs, and will soon provide additional information regarding hospitalization and recovery.

Gov. Reynolds will hold a press conference today at 2:30 p.m. The press conference will be streamed and posted in full on Governor Reynolds’ Facebook Page.

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11:10 a.m. Sunday, March 22 - Iowa Covid-19 cases now total 90
DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Public Health has been notified of 22 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 90 positive cases. There have been 1,215 negative tests conducted at the State Hygienic Lab to date.

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH - The number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19, the infectious illness caused by a new coronavirus, jumped by 23 cases, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Saturday. The individuals who tested positive reside in a dozen counties around the state.

Iowa had 68 positive cases as of Saturday afternoon. There have been 1,049 negative test results from the state hygienic lab, IDPH reported. The state is still reserving tests for people in high-risk categories, including people age 60 or older or those with underlying health conditions for whom the virus can cause serious illness.

Iowa has not seen an increase this high on any day since the first three cases were reported in Iowa on March 8. However, testing has increased significantly. Gov. Kim Reynolds said Friday that the state hygienic lab is now running three shifts and private labs were also coming online and reporting their results. She said Friday an increase in positive cases was expected in light of increased testing.

Locations and age ranges of the 23 individuals include:

• Allamakee County, one middle age adult (41-60 years), one older adult (61-80 years)
• Black Hawk County, one middle age adult (41-60 years), one elderly (81 years or older)
• Dubuque County, one older adult (61-80 years)
• Fayette County, one adult (18-40 years)
• Henry County, one adult (18-40 years)
• Johnson County, three adults (18-40 years), one middle age adult (41-60 years), one older adult (61-80 years)
• Linn County, two adults (18-40 years), one middle age adult (41-60 years)
• Muscatine County, one middle age adult (41-60 years)
• Polk County, two middle age adults (41-60 years), two older adults (61-80 years)
• Pottawattamie County, one middle age adult (41-60 years)
• Story County, one adult (18-40 years)
• Washington County, one middle age adult (41-60 years)

Iowans with questions about COVID-19 can call the state’s hotline. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431.

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11:23 a.m. Saturday, March 21 - Iowa State Patrol Fully Operational, Limits In-Person Access

DES MOINES – As the response to the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, the Iowa State Patrol has announced it is limiting public access to its district headquarter offices to essential business in order to maintain the health and safety of law-enforcement staff.

11:08 a.m. Saturday, March 21 - State Public Health Emergency Declaration Provides Temporary Extension of Weapon Permits

DES MOINES - On March 20, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration related to the COVID-19 virus. Included in the proclamation were certain modifications to the current law on weapon permits.

The declaration temporarily addresses portions of Iowa law regarding professional and nonprofessional permits to carry firearms, and permits to acquire pistols or revolvers. Based on the Governor’s actions, permits to carry weapons and permits to acquire will not expire during the declaration. This extension, however, does not allow one to use an otherwise expired permit to purchase a firearm without completion of a National Instant Criminal Background Check System check at the time of the purchase or transfer. All Federal Firearms License holders must conduct a NICS check prior to the sale or transfer of any firearm if an expired permit is presented. Again, a holder of an otherwise expired permit will not be able to purchase a firearm without a NICS being performed by the FFL.

The declaration also gives county sheriffs greater discretion in determining how they receive weapon permit applications so as to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Please check with your local county sheriff’s department to determine its procedure for accepting applications during this time.

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12:35 p.m. Friday, March 20 - Governor announces suspension of interest and penalties on property tax payments, additional relief on other state regulations

DES MOINES - March 20, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration effective immediately providing additional regulatory relief to Iowans impacted by this public health disaster. She will hold a press conference today at 2:30 p.m., details on that are forthcoming.

The declaration relaxes a number of restrictions and regulations and provides relief from other statutes and state regulations:

• Temporarily suspends penalties and interest as it relates to the collection of property taxes until the end of this proclamation
• Temporarily suspends some evictions under the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or the Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in certain circumstances
• Extends expiration deadline for a permit to carry and a permit to acquire a firearm and additional measures
• Permits the sale of carry-out, delivery, drive-thru of alcohol for unopened bottles of alcohol for bars and restaurants and suspends some fees
• Permits public meetings or hearings by electronic means to improve the functions of government while maintaining social distancing practices
• Suspends certain regulations to ease the transportation of agricultural supplies and commodities, food, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods on all highways in Iowa

The proclamation also allows related state agencies to implement the state’s public health emergency plan.

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3:22 p.m. Thursday, March 19 - Spencer Hospital tightens visitor/patient companion restrictions

Spencer Hospital tightens visitor/patient companion restrictions; adds entrance ambassadors

Spencer Hospital has tightened visitor/patient companion restrictions in an effort to provide patients the safest possible environment during the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. Effective Friday, March 20, patients are only permitted to have someone accompany them to an appointment or visit them while hospitalized under extenuating circumstances.

Exceptions permitted are as follows:

· One person may accompany/visit patient in Birth Center.

· One person may accompany person scheduled for a procedure in the Surgery Center.

· One parent/guardian may accompany/visit patient under age 18.

· Immediate family members may visit patients receiving end-of-life care, as defined by physician.

Visitors cannot rotate with another person during the patient’s stay in an effort to reduce the number of people who enter the hospital. Also, deliveries to patients of flowers, gifts, etc. have been temporarily suspended to avoid bringing in items from outside of the hospital. Though the volunteer gift shop is currently closed, gifts from the shop can be ordered online and delivered and e-cards can be sent via the Spencer Hospital website: www.spencerhospital.org.

Spencer Hospital has also initiated an ambassador program at the main hospital entrance and emergency entrance. The main entrance will have one door – Entrance B – open Monday through Friday between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. All patients and visitors will be greeted by a hospital ambassador at that entrance who will ask if the person has any respiratory symptoms and will conduct a quick temperature check.

After 5 p.m. and on weekends, patients and permitted visitors will be asked to use the emergency department entrance on the east side of the Spencer Hospital campus. An ambassador at the emergency entrance will also conduct a brief screening, including temperature check. Ambassadors at the ED entrance will be available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

Spencer Hospital employees are also undergoing a health screening when they arrive to work.

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1:07 p.m. Thursday, March 19 - Coffee with the Editor suspended until state allows gatherings again

Until further notice, Coffee with the Editor will be suspended. Many of the regulars who attend fall into the danger category when it comes to contracting COVID-19 so the 7 a.m. Friday sessions at Grand Avenue Community Outreach will be on hold. We look forward to restarting them again "on the other side" of this worldwide pandemic.

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8:45 a.m. Thursday, March 19 - Daily Reporter closed to walk in customers

In our effort to keep our staff who are needed to work at the office safe, the Daily Reporter has closed its buildings to walk in customers. We have a drop slot in the front of our building for information and payments. Staff are available to answer phones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at this time at 712-262-6610. We can also be reached by email at pbuenger@spencerdailyreporter.com

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7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 - Spencer City Council votes to close all city buildings to the public

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6:08 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 - Testing not required, feasible for return to work

Spencer Hospital’s Emergency Department and Avera Medical Group Spencer have been contacted by local citizens who state they are being required by their business to be screened for COVID-19 prior to being permitted to return to work following an illness. Testing of people who do not meet the Iowa Department of Public Health’s screening protocol is not necessary or feasible.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines are:
Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F (38.0° C) or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.

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2:46 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 - Everly City Hall closed to foot traffic

The city of Everly is taking the Iowa Public Health's recommendation and will be limiting foot traffic in City Hall. Our doors will be locked, but the office will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 12:30 pm and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Utility payments can be dropped off in the drop box at City Hall, or credit card payments are accepted over the phone. Feel free to call us at 712-834-2691 with any questions.

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2:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 - Iowa DOT announces new information on driver's licenses and vehicle registration

AMES – In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ issuance of a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency, the Iowa Department of Transportation seeks to combat the spread of the virus by taking the following immediate actions.
Driver’s license holders
If you have a driver’s license that has an expiration date of Jan. 16 or later you do not have to renew your license at this time. It will remain valid for driving purposes until the declared disaster has ended.
Vehicle titles, registration and license plates
If your vehicle registration expired Jan. 16 or later will be considered valid until the declared disaster has ended.
If you are purchasing or transferring a vehicle you will not be required to obtain a title and registration within 30 days. This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.
If you purchase a vehicle from a dealer you will not be required to obtain license plates within 45 days. This will remain in effect until the declared disaster is over.

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2:09 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 - Information on property tax payment options in Clay County

Property taxes may be paid online at www.iowatreasurers.org, by mail sent to Clay County Treasurer PO Box 1147, Spencer, IA 51301, or by using the drop boxes on the north and south side of the building. If you pay be mail or through the drop box and would like a receipt, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment. Property tax payments will