The last few weeks have been difficult for our country, state, and community. We have experienced a new virus spread throughout the world, enter the United States, travel to the Midwest, and make its way to our own county.
Some of you may be returning home from winter locations or opening your summer homes. It’s likely that you’ve traveled on planes, come from out of the country or out of the state which raises your risk of having been exposed to COVID-19. As a result, we respectfully ask you to remain in your home for 14 days after your return, in case you may have been inadvertently exposed to the COVID-19 virus and may be contagious to others. It takes up to 14 days for symptoms to appear after exposure, which is why staying home during this time is critically important. If you do have symptoms of new-onset cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please call the Lakes Regional Healthcare COVID-19 hotline at 712-336-6696 for a phone evaluation. If you need groceries or food, please know local grocery stores now provide the ability for you to order your groceries online and pick them up at the door, without ever getting out of your car. Local restaurants are also available for you to call in your order and pick it up, again without leaving your car. You can also request to have a volunteer pick up and bring your groceries to your home by visiting https://iglcoronarelief.org/.
All of us should be practicing the following:
- Stay at least 6’ away from others, especially those who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow, or into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Stay home, except to get medical care when warranted.
The support of the community has been inspiring to us as you’ve gone online to church services, put rainbows in your windows, created a COVID-19 local guide on Facebook, supported local businesses, sewn face masks, canceled public events, and more. Everything you do demonstrates the cohesiveness, strength, and hope we have as a community. We applaud your efforts to “flatten the curve” and with all of us working together, we will keep our neighbors and family safe from COVID-19.
We appreciate your attention to this important step in keeping our community safe.
Best regards,
City of Arnolds Park
City of Lake Park
City of Milford
City of Okoboji
City of Orleans
City of Spirit Lake
City of Superior
City of Terril
City of Wahpeton
City of West Okoboji
Dickinson County Board of Health
Dickinson County Board of Supervisors
Dickinson County Emergency Management
Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Lakes Regional Healthcare
Milford Commercial Club
Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce