DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A May 4 sentencing has been scheduled for a Dubuque man who neglected to properly care for his girlfriend’s baby. The Telegraph Herald reports that Mark Ward pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent person. Ward and his girlfriend, Iesha Searcy, were the primary caregivers of Searcy’s then 9-month-old daughter.

The girl weighed less than 11 pounds when seen by a dietitian on Aug. 15, 2018. Court documents say the infant was hospitalized two days later, and a doctor found her to be severely malnourished. Searcy has pleaded not guilty. Her trial date is March 31.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Federal courts in Nebraska are nixing all jury trials and grand juries for the rest of the month in a move to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, state courts in Iowa and Nebraska are taking some precautions. An order from Nebraska’s Supreme Court chief justice says those at elevated risk of transmitting COVID-19 are barred from attending trials.

In Iowa, state courts may conduct meetings and hearings remotely. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for some people, it can lead to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Atlantic, IA – Cass County Health System issued a specific process today (Friday) for all patients who need COVID-19 testing. As of March 13, the process is as follows:

• Patients should review the testing criteria that can be found at casshealth.org/covid-19 or via the hotline at 712-243-7479.
• The patient should call 712-243-2850 to schedule a same-day appointment or to inquire about being seen at AMC Rapid Care.
• Patients will then be directed to go to the southeast side of CCHS to the Suite C entrance (previous Evening Clinic entrance). Patients should wait at the door. CCHS staff will meet the patient at the door with a mask. The masked patient will then be escorted into an exam room for testing. (see the map below)
• The test itself is the same as being swabbed for influenza. The swab will be inserted into the nostril and rotated gently for 10-30 seconds.
• Patients with mild symptoms will be sent home for self-monitoring and appropriate home treatment. If the COVID-19 test is positive, then additional direction will be given to the patient at that time about isolation protocols.
• Patients with severe symptoms will be assessed by CCHS staff; next steps will be determined at that time.

If you are concerned about your symptoms and you think you may meet the testing criteria, please call 712-243-2850.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of one additional positive case of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in an Iowa resident in Harrison County, for a total of 17 positive cases. This individual was tested in Nebraska, and is now recovering under isolation. Testing at Iowa’s State Hygienic Laboratory today has indicated no additional positive cases. All positive cases in Iowa at this time are travel related.

Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a proclamation to temporarily suspend requirements for transportation of food, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods by removing restrictions on oversize and overweight loads.

Gov. Reynolds also held a press conference today (Friday) from the State Emergency Operations Center in Johnston to provide an update to the state of Iowa on COVID-19. A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa provided by IDPH can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431.

Iowans can help prevent the spread of illness by following simple daily precautions including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and IDPH recommends getting the flu vaccine. Influenza activity is widespread in Iowa and as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to receive the vaccine.

COVID-19 was first linked to an outbreak in Wuhan, China, but cases have subsequently been identified in several countries, including the U.S. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Those most at risk of the virus are older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Omaha District says it has reached its goal of having the Missouri River mainstem levee system restored to its full height following massive flooding a year ago that devastated levees in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

The Corps said in a news conference Friday that while there is still much work to be done throughout the region, crews had closed 24 breaches along the main river system, spending more than $400 million to date on the work.

District commander Col. John Hudson said crews have moved 4.73 million cubic yards of sand in the effort, “equal to two Empire State Buildings.”