The Covid-19 spread has prompted changes in the way some area first responders and law enforcement personnel will answer calls for service, in the interest of safety for first responders, law enforcement, and the public. Officials with Walnut Fire and Rescue, for instance, say “In the event of a an EMS call, an EMT will be the first to make contact with you. They will be wearing a face mask and eye protection, as well as any other PPE necessary. You will have a mask placed on you, and asked a series of questions laid out by the CDC for simple screening. Remember, cold like symptoms is not necessarily a reason to go to the ER. If transport is indeed needed, then the rest of the crew will be brought in to assist.”

The Creston Police Department and Union County Sheriff’s Office report that until March 31st, they are asking for the public’s help in reducing emergency services exposure, by answering questions posed by dispatchers when you call for those services, to determine the appropriate response. If you are ill or have other special circumstances that make you especially susceptible to infectious disease, please notify the dispatcher.

Union County authorities are echoing comments by the colleagues elsewhere in southwest Iowa, when they say there will be limited public access to the Law Enforcement Center from now until March 31st. You may call the LEC in Union County at 641-782-8402, for all routine calls for service. Anyone coming to the LEC will use the exterior intercom to talk with a dispatcher before being buzzed into the main building. All applicant finger printing, gun permit and other services as well as court-ordered jail time, are suspended.