East Central Iowa News

Thomas Craighton, Hardin County Emergency Management Coordinator, announced that 10,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) were delivered to medical facilities across the county. 

He said first responders, law enforcement and the Hardin County Jail also received needed PPE.

During an update that he delivers weekly to the Hardin County Board of Supervisors, Craighton said that everyone has their required PPE.

"Everyone right now has their required PPE. That's the furthest we can go out, is to order what is needed in seven days," Craighton said.

During the update, Craighton also said there is a possibility of a statewide lockdown to further combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

"I am getting lots of questions regarding the governor needing to do a mandatory shutdown," Craighton said. "There really is not a feel for that across the board. We need to remind people of the big picture. Everyone takes responsibility and it doesn't matter if the governor says it or the president says it. It still comes down to the individual taking responsibility for their own world."

In response to the announcements,  Donna Juber, who is an Eldora resident said, "Residents in the county should be reminded to remain six feet apart at all times to practice effective social distancing."

On April 6, Governor Kim Reynolds ordered that social gatherings be limited to 10 people or less. Stephan Bayens, Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner, joined Reynolds and told reporters what will happen to violators of the order.

“Violation of these orders could result in the filing of simple misdemeanor charges,” Bayens said.

That said, earlier this month, troopers from around Iowa delivered PPE to local hospitals across the state.

The supplies were delivered to the following counties: Polk, Ida, Dickinson, Lyon, Osceola, Audubon, Monona, Taylor, Hamilton, Humbolt, Howard, Story, Tama, Marshall and Hardin.

A spokesman for the State Patrol emphasized the importance of working together.

"Working together, to keep Iowans safe," the state patrol spokesman told Channel 3 News.