NW Iowa News

Clay County Public Health Director has order all gatherings in the county to consist of 10 individuals or less for two weeks, which started on March 18, to help contain the spread of COVID-19. 

Director Gary Zaborac's order applies to both indoor and outdoor gatherings, but exempts government function, health care, grocery stores, pharmacies, private businesses, weddings, funerals and churches. Zaborac has also ordered restaurants, bars and movie theaters in the county to close. Restaurants can remain open if they only provide curbside, delivery or drive-thru options. 

Jerry Nolte, presiding commissioner, declared a state of emergency in Clay County. 

“I arrived at this decision after consulting with Clay County’s Emergency Management Director and sheriff’s deputy Capt. Will Akin, Clay County Health Department Director Gary Zaborac and others both in and outside of government. This is a necessary step to access assistance under the federal Stafford Act,” Nolte said in his declaration, the Courier Tribune reported. 

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act will help bring assistance and funds to natural disaster to state and local governments. There are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, but Nolte said to the Courier Tribune that it's uncertain how much funding the county will need at this point. 

“This proclamation moves Clay County in line with the state government emergency declaration. I urge local government agencies to take decisive action to protect our citizens during this developing pandemic,” Nolte said, the Courier Tribune reported. 

Gov. Mike Parson said in a press conference that casinos will be temporarily closed. Other businesses and organizations throughout the state have decided to close on their own as well. 

“We have to practice social distancing. You have to understand how important that is,” Parson said at the press conference. “Prevention is critical to fight the coronavirus. It will be a daily fight for months to fight the corona disease and we need to be working together as citizens of the state of Missouri.”

Zaborac said in a statement that residents of Clay County shouldn't be hoarding essential supplies such as toiler paper and food, because it creates shortages for everyone else. 

“Being selfish right now is not the right response we need as a community,” Zaborac said in his statement, and also reminded residents that masks are not meant to be used by those who are healthy. “Healthy people walking around with masks are really doing a disservice to those who need them.”

If an individual feels ill, they should consult a doctor and not go to the ER, Zaborac said.