COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Grimes Chamber & Economic Development is closely monitoring the changing developments of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on our members and community.

We want to draw your attention to the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Website (Link to https://www.dsmpartnership.com/covid-19). This site has resources, plans, and continually updated information. This is an ever-evolving situation, and it is important for us to continue to support local businesses and each other especially during challenging times.

Updates: *subject to change*

June 4 10:25am:

Total Confirmed Cases: 20,706

Total Recovered: 12,167

Total Negative: 153,025

Recovery Rate: 53%

Total Deceased: 578

Wednesday, May 6th, Governors Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the public health disaster, permitting dental services, reopening some businesses, and other measures.

Link provided here: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-the-state-public-health-emergency-1?fbclid=IwAR2c5nTqQwZuG0l_YcJfvQyAchmNTwe3Fc1Eidx0mMNh3-vb30kJ5JnZVcU

Monday, April 27th, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new proclamation loosening social distancing measures in 77 Iowa counties effective Friday, May 1st.

Link provided here: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-the-state-public-health-emergency-0?fbclid=IwAR04N1LgOlCcVSgcLe0DrnTizaL_41kdMKL1m7l7349VNKqsxzH1QOMliFw

Friday, April 24th, Governor Kim Reynolds begins the 1st phase of re-opening up Iowa starting with health case facilitates to resume elective surgeries according to their schedules beginning Monday, April 27th. In relation to phase 1, Reynolds plans to permit all farmers markets to begin open up for business again with limited crowds. These changes will be in place beginning May 1st.

Iowa's peak is said to be seen within the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Governor Kim Reynolds launches Test Iowa. Iowa is only the 2nd state in the nation to deploy this initiative which includes an online health assessment and drive-thru testing locations. Test Iowa is a 3 step process to help asses your eligibility for testing.

If eligible, Iowa's first testing location will open Saturday, April 25th at the Iowa Events Center North Parking lot. More testing sites will be opening during the following weeks.

As Iowa's confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to climb, Iowa Gov. Reynolds announced on April 17th during her press conference, that schools will remain closed for the rest of this school year.

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

- Fever
- Runny Nose
- Cough
- Shortness of breath

Grimes Chamber Member Churches Offering Virtual/Online Services:

NorthPoint Church | Live Stream Services Every Sunday 9AM & 10:35AM on their Facebook Page | 515-986-0306
St. Peter Lutheran Church of Grimes | Live Stream Services available on their Facebook Page | 515-986-3077
Grimes United Methodist Church | Live Stream services Sundays at 8:30AM available on their Facebook Page or on their Vimeo Account | 515-986-4036
Summitcreek Church | Live interactions on their Facebook Page | 515-207-9551
Harvest Bible Chapel Des Moines | Services posted on their YouTube Channel and Facebook Page | 515-428-0029
First Presbyterian Church of Grimes | Video messages posted on their Facebook Page | 515-986-3720
Crossroads Community Church | Videos posted on their Facebook Page | 515-986-5433

Grimes Restaurants/Coffee/Convenience Stores Offering Drive-Thru, Takeout, Delivery & Dine-In:

Grimes Chamber Members:

Pour Choices Neighborhood Bar | 1895 SE Grimes Blvd #101 Grimes, IA 50111 | (515) 986-1927 | Facebook
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat: 11AM-8PM
✓ Takeout ✓ Dine-In 50% Capacity

Local Restaurants:

GOVERNOR REYNOLDS ANNOUNCES ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 RELATED LAYOFFS

DES MOINES – Governor Reynolds today announced assistance for workers and employers impacted by layoffs related to COVID-19. The guidance includes information for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims, as well as information on programs available for employers.

“Iowa has incredible employers accommodating the needs of Iowans during the disruption caused by COVID-19,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The state of Iowa is doing everything we can to ease the process and shorten the time it will take for Iowans to receive unemployment benefits. All of our state agencies continue to work as one team to lessen the impact COVID-19 will have on our economy and our people.”

“Iowa Workforce Development is taking steps to reduce the impact of these claims on employers who have had to temporarily lay off staff due to closures or slowdowns,” said IWD Director BethTownsend. “IWD encourages all employers to utilize paid leave and telework options for employees before utilizing temporary layoffs. Iowa Workforce Development will continue to monitor the situation, working with our stakeholders and updates will be released on our webpage.”

Unemployment insurance claims:

If you are laid off due to COVID-19 or have to stay home to self-isolate, care for family members or due to illness related to COVID-19, you can receive unemployment benefits, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. Work search requirements will be waived. Those requirements essentially include working for wages from an employer who claims you as an employee in six of the last eighteen months and have earned at least $2,500 in the same time period. More specific explanation of benefit eligibility can be found at: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/2019-unemployment-insurance-claimant-handbook
Claimants can expect to receive payment within 7-10 days after the date the claim is filed.
Claims that are filed and identified as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19, will not be charged to employers. Fact-finding interviews for these claims will be waived and not be held although employers will be notified of claims received.
IWD will process unemployment insurance payments to ensure payment will continue to be paid in a timely manner.

“The Iowa Workforce Development team is dedicated to providing assistance to employees and employers affected by COVID-19. Please do not hesitate to contact myself or our team for assistance at 1-866-239-0843,” said Director Townsend.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 AND IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

IWD COVID-19 page is updated as new information becomes available.

ACCE: Crisis Management Plans & Resources

https://resources.acce.org/crisismanagement/businessresources

Planning: