Officials in Mills County report that in their regular meeting on Thursday, June 4th,the Mills County Board of Supervisors adopted procedures for a phased reopening of County offices beginning June 8, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. In making their decision, officials noted the safety of County employees and residents is their overriding priority.

As the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues to have substantial community spread, the Mills County Board of Supervisors are monitoring the situation closely and will periodically update guidance based on current recommendations from Mills County Emergency Management, Mills County Public Health department, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Center for Disease Control.

To reduce the potential risk of exposure to the workforce and visitors, the Board has instituted new screening procedures, with the goal of returning to business as usual in the coming months. The information below identifies procedures which are subject to change at any time.

During the initial phase of reopening:
1. County offices will remain open by appointment only.
2. Visitors must first fill out a screening questionnaire found on our website at https://www.cognitoforms.com/MillsCounty1/MillsCountyCoronavirusCOVID19VisitorQuestionnaire (paper copies are also available at the north entrance of the courthouse).
3. Call upon arrival to let the office know you are in the parking lot. You will be contacted when it is your turn to come in.
4. Temperatures will be taken prior to entry into county buildings.
5. Visitors must wear masks at all times after entering.
6. Sanitizer will be offered upon entry.
7. Visitors will be escorted directly to the office with which they are doing business and escorted out when business is completed.
8. County employees will wear masks while serving the public.

Any person with COVID-19 symptoms should refrain from entering a public building. At this time, self-monitoring is required by the public and employees. Stay home if you are ill. Social distancing measures such as increasing the space between workers and the public and decreasing social contacts in the workplace are still in place. Hand shaking is prohibited. Everyone should wash hands thoroughly before entering county facilities and throughout the day. Hand sanitizers will be available at the entrance of the courthouse and in all offices. Office/workspace areas will be cleaned at least daily. Individuals should consider contacting county offices/departments or conducting business online if possible before visiting any facility.

The Mills County Board of Supervisors will revisit these procedures and will provide guidance for the next phase of reopening county offices as the circumstances permit. These procedures do not affect the emergency protocol put in place by State Court Administration. Any court related questions should be directed to the Mills County Clerk of Court at (712) 527-4880.

Visit www.millscoia.us for updated information and specific duties of offices/department. Officials said also that you are “ADVISED THAT THESE PRECAUTIONS ARE IN PLACE TO HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 AND MEANT TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE. HOWEVER, THESE MEASURES MAY NOT ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTRACTING OR SPREADING THE VIRUS. ENTERING ANY PUBLIC PLACE MAY STILL POSE A RISK TO YOUR HEALTH AND YOU SHOULD ACT ACCORDINGLY.