Sioux County Public Health is advising community members about what they can do now to prepare for the potential spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. 

Sioux County Public Health will continue to work with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and with our local partners.

In the meantime, community members should prepare for the potential of COVID-19 in the same way they prepare for severe weather or other events that could disrupt their normal routine. For example: What would you do if you could not go to work or school because of illness? What if your daycare provider was ill? How would you get groceries if you were ill?

Everyone can help prevent the spread of all viruses, including influenza and coronavirus (COVID-19) in the following ways:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

For a printable poster with this information in English and Spanish, click here.

For information and updates related to COVID-19, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow IDPH on Facebook (@IowaDepartmentofPublicHealth) and Twitter (@IAPublicHealth). The CDC’s COVID-19 page contains information on how to keep yourself and you family safe. You can also sign up for updates from Governor Reynolds’ office here.

A public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. This line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1.