Government : Hello Iowa District 75: Partial re-openings and added services

It's great to see Benton and Iowa counties continue to have such relatively low numbers of Covid-19 cases, which can be attributed to your great response to protecting yourself and others!

The state of Iowa is fortunate to have 39 counties with ten or less cases of Covid-19, and over 5,000 people or about 43% of the individuals who tested positive so far have recovered.

Starting May 8th, dentists statewide could resume providing their usual services, but must follow guidelines set by the Iowa Dental Board. Also opening statewide are medical spas and tanning facilities. Malls and other retail establishments can reopen at 50% of legal capacity. Campgrounds are also open statewide, but people should check with the DNR (www.iowadnr.gov) or for the latest updates and several policies. This is a good start to get the economy back up and running.

Also, if anyone is in need of medical attention, please do so. Hospitals and doctor's offices are open and able to help you. If you are unsure if you should go to a doctor, please at a bare minimum give your doctor a call and discuss any issues you are having. Our local hospitals in Vinton and Marengo are well prepared, in fine shape, and able to provide safe and quality medical care, even via telehealth if you like.

If you would like to help those who are in need of food assistance in Benton County or Marengo area, you can send a monetary donation to any of the following:

Benton County Food Pantry

1212 8th Ave, Belle Plaine, Iowa 52208

Wesley United Methodist Church

516 2nd Ave, Vinton, Iowa 52349

Attn: Food Pantry

Marengo Food Distribution

185 Dillin St. Marengo, IA 52301

Big thanks to everyone in District 75 for your patience and help during this difficult time. The numbers of new COVID cases will soon start to drop and eventually we'll get over this. Please continue to be responsible and make safe decisions such as social distancing and washing hands so we can get back to normal!