Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement after the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Governor Kim Reynolds announced the first documented ‘community spread’ case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iowa:

“Tonight’s announcement from Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Public Health confirms that Iowa is entering a new phase in our state’s efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

With this new ‘community spread’ case reported in Dallas County, it is imperative to ensure that all Iowans, regardless of travel history or pre-existing condition, are taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously.

I’m encouraging all of my constituents and everyone in Iowa to take the necessary precautions to limit their risk by avoiding large gatherings, practicing good community hygiene, and limiting public interactions if you’re feeling sick. In the spirit of IDPH’s new guidance, I will seek to set an example by canceling my in-person town halls and other large public events – and hope that others will also take steps in line with these new guidelines in the coming days and weeks.”

Rep. Axne and her office will be discontinuing her “Connect with Your Congresswoman” town halls until further notice, and will be adjusting her public schedule to follow recommendations set by IDPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her offices will also be encouraging all in-person meetings to make advance appointments to limit person-to-person contact when possible while providing constituent and casework services.

Rep. Axne’s website includes prevention recommendations for any Iowans who want updates about novel coronavirus, and is encouraging Iowans with questions to visit the websites for the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).