Kass Addresses COVID-19 Issue – Courthouse To Remain Open
(Le Mars) — The spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus, is causing several closures of offices and businesses, and other entities. On Tuesday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a Public Health Disaster Emergency which essentially means that there can be no more than ten people gathered in one
location. In addition, the order means that restaurants and bars must close their doors, unless they distribute food through a drive-through or carry-out. Also closed are fitness centers, theaters, and casinos. Reynolds on Tuesday prohibited mass gatherings and events including parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Le Mars city administrator, Jason Vacura has
ordered all city facilities to be closed to the public for a duration of 14 days until the end of the month of March. Plymouth County courthouse, as of now, remains open. However, County Supervisor chairman Don Kass says conditions are changing by the hour, and he encourages people to use on-line and postal services.
Being a livestock producer, Kass says he understands how quickly a virus can spread. He says Plymouth County, as of today’s date, hasn’t had any reported cases of the coronavirus, but Kass fears it may be only a matter of time before the first positive case is reported.
Kass says many people may believe health and state government officials are going over-board and exaggerating with their precautions of shutting down schools, and businesses. However, Kass says people simply need to do the math to see what potential dangers may be coming.
The Plymouth County supervisor says the county board has been working closely with county health officials. He asks people to remain calm, and to realize that many people have recovered after contracting the virus.
Kass says there are thousands of people who because of an existing health issue, may be more vulnerable to the contracting of the coronavirus.
The Iowa Department of Public Health says 29 residents have now tested positive for coronavirus.
