(Johnson County news release)
Johnson County, Iowa – The Johnson County Board of Supervisors and Emergency Management Commission approved to continue the Declaration of the Public Health Disaster Emergency until Friday, March 26, 2021, or as long as Governor Kim Reynolds’ State Disaster Declaration remains in effect, whichever date is later. Gov. Reynolds’ most recent proclamation expires at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 7, 2021.
The continuation of the disaster emergency also extends the date of the face covering/mask regulation for all of Johnson County which was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 formal meeting. The resolution requires every person in Johnson County to wear a face covering/mask when in public settings indoors and outdoors when it is not possible to keep six feet away from others. Public settings include, but are not limited to stores, schools, public transportation, or other public settings that are not one’s place of residence or with people who do not live in the same household. It applies to all areas and municipalities in Johnson County unless a municipality previously issued a face covering/mask order.
Given the continued risk created by COVID-19, the identification of a new variant in Johnson County, and the Governor’s requirement that all school districts resume full-time in-person instruction, the Board of Supervisors urges residents of and visitors to Johnson County to continue following public health recommendations. This includes practicing appropriate physical distancing whenever interacting with other persons, wearing face coverings in public and practicing increased hygiene practices to reduce the risk of transmission.