PHO Robin Spencer | November 2, 2020

October 31, 2020: 1:00 PM

I would like to make everyone in Linn County aware of the significant spike in COVID-19 cases we have experienced. Since our published report on Wednesday, we have an increase of 17 New COVID-19 cases with a total of 21 currently active cases and 2 known hospitalizations. With our elections taking place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, I am deeply concerned about the potential to further spread the COVID-19 Coronavirus in Linn County.

As a result, I am requesting that everyone adhere to the following guidelines when you are out in public and especially when you are at a polling location:

1. Please do not go out in public if you are sick.

2. Wear a mask whenever you are out in a public place.

3. Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when hand washing is not possible.

4. Maintain proper social distancing (at least 6 feet from others).

5. Avoid unnecessary travel and activities.

If you have been isolated or quarantined by the Local Health Department in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may contact the Linn County Clerk’s office on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 to get assistance with your voting needs. Their phone number is (913) 795-2668. You may want to contact the Clerk’s Office on Monday, November 2, 2020 to let them know you will need voting assistance due to your isolation/quarantine order. This will help us make sure everyone who wishes to vote on Tuesday has that opportunity.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please contact the Linn County Public Health Department at (913) 795-7302 to discuss testing options. You may also contact your local doctor’s office but please call in advance of going to their facility to make proper arrangements with them. Be sure and advise them that you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms.

COVID-19 symptoms include Fever or Chills, Cough, Shortness of Breath (Difficulty Breathing), Loss of Taste or Smell, Sore Throat, Muscle or Body Aches/Pains, Diarrhea, Nausea or Vomiting, Headache, Fatigue, and Congestion or Runny Nose.

You can spread COVID-19 up to 2 days before experiencing symptoms and not all people with COVID-19 will have symptoms. Therefore, it is so important for us all to follow the guidelines above.

COVID-19 Coronavirus is affecting us in a variety of ways. We have a daycare and a library that have temporarily closed, government offices and their services have been impacted and we have active cases in virtually every area and community of the County.

Robin Spencer, ARNP-C, LHO