COVID-19 Eventful week sees Clayton County record first disease-related death

Clayton County recorded its first death related to the COVID-19 virus during an eventful week that also saw increased restrictions and the extension of school closings through the remainder of the school year.

The County reported its first death related to the disease Tuesday. The individual was 81+ years old.

“We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to this individual’s family,” said Clayton County Visiting Nurse Director Stacey Killian. “Clayton County VNA and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to limit the spread and impact of this virus in our communities.”

Through Monday, Clayton County had seven confirmed COVID-19 cases according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. One hundred nineteen Clayton County residents have been tested for the disease, with five of those having recovered. Five of Clayton County's cases have been among adults (age 18-40) while one has been an older adults (age 61-80) and one an elderly person (81 years of age or older).

Elsewhere in northeast Iowa, Allamakee County has recorded 36 confirmed COVID-19 cases and three deaths while Dubuque County has seen 44 cases and one death, Winneshiek County six cases and no deaths, Fayette County six cases and no deaths and Delaware County two cases and no deaths. Crawford County, Wis. (Prairie du Chien) has seen three positive tests and also has yet to see a disease-related death according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. It and the rest of Wisconsin are under a “Safer at Home” order through May 26, though essential businesses, including many stores, remain open.

Schools will not reopen

Governor Kim Reynolds announced Friday that Iowa schools will remain closed through the remainder of the school year.

“Closing school to the end of the year is not an easy decision and we do know the challenge this creates, but we also know this decision is necessary to ensure the health and safety of those we serve,” Dr. Ann Lebo, head of the Iowa Department of Education, said at Reynolds' Friday news conference.

MFL MarMac Superintendent Dr. Dale Crozier said he expected an announcement, though hearing it was difficult.

“I didn't know if (school would be closed until) May 15 or the end of the year, I knew it was going to be one or the other, but yet when it happened … I thought I was ready for it and I wasn't,” he said. “It's kind of tough. I'm not alone – I think everyone feels that way.”

Crozier announced Friday evening that the voluntary educational programs and meal programs will continue. He said students that were meeting requirements at the time school closed March 16 will advance to the next grade level and that seniors meeting requirements will graduate.

The School District is considering many ways to honor its graduates. Crozier said in his announcement that the District is working on offering a virtual graduation ceremony and that it is considering, but cannot promise, a late graduation ceremony once it has the go-ahead in terms of gathering size.

The State of Iowa will be waiving the instructional time requirements for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, provided that school districts make an effort to offer continuous learning to their students.

While the buildings themselves may be closed, the lessons may not even stop for the summer. Districts will be required to submit a "Return to Learn" plan to the Iowa Department of Education by July 1, detailing plans for making up for the lost instructional time that may include summer school or other learning opportunities.

Looking on to the next school year, the state has also waived the requirement that school not begin before August 23, allowing districts greater freedom in determining the length of their 2020-21 school year.

"While I would like nothing more than to open up our schools and classrooms in May, we have to prioritize the health and safety of Iowans," said Reynolds. "With our students at home, we must rely on continuous learning plans that are in place and prepare school districts for 'Return to Learn' in the fall."

In addition, Lebo announced that the spring high school sports season would be canceled. Later in the day, the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced that summer sports are also suspended pending an assessment that will be made in collaboration with state officials before June. The announcement indicated that practice, competition and postseason dates would be announced at a later date. The baseball and softball seasons were set to begin the final week of May.

Additional Restrictions

Thursday, Reynolds issued new restrictions for residents in Regional Medical Coordination Center (RMCC) District 6, which includes all of northeast Iowa. The new restrictions limit social, community, recreational, leisure and sporting gatherings to only people who live together in the same household. The new restrictions continue to allow funerals, weddings and spiritual or religious gatherings, though only those with 10 or fewer people. The new guidelines also require people to remain at least six feet apart whenever possible.

"Residents of Region 6 and all other Iowans should take personal responsibility and stay home as much as possible," Reynolds said. "COVID-19 is now part of our life, but it will not always dictate how we live.”

Travis Fischer, Mid-America Publishing, contributed to this report.