March 9, 2020
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City – Gov. Kim Reynolds held a news conference Sunday to announce the state’s first three presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus.) The three Johnson County residents tested positive for the virus after returning March 3 from a cruise that traveled through Egypt, Gov. Reynolds reported.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) cannot confirm if the passengers traveled through the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID).
CID can confirm that, to date, no local airline staff have been notified by any public health agency regarding additional follow-up related to the three individuals.
CID has consulted with the Iowa Department of Public Health as to recommended actions resulting from the three presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Johnson County. IDPH has advised CID that no additional precautions are necessary because of the cases.
IDPH recommends all travelers wash their hands frequently, refrain from travel if ill, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their upper arm/elbow. Travelers with questions about COVID-19 may call the public health hotline by dialing 2-1-1.
CID takes health concerns seriously and follows the guidance provided by public health officials at the federal, state, and local levels.
The airport employs a full-time maintenance staff that cleans the airport terminal. Those cleaning efforts are further enhanced by ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning. The team has increased the frequency and intensity of efforts to disinfect washrooms, public areas, and high-touch items (handrails, elevator buttons, etc.) with cleaning agents intended to kill germs.
The airport has taken the additional step of purchasing two electrostatic sprayers, which spray electrically charged particles. It places a positive charge on a disinfectant solution, which is then sprayed on negatively charged surfaces. It is effective against many microorganisms we deal with on a daily basis.
All airlines have established protocols for employee practices and cleaning of aircraft after each flight.
Passengers should monitor their airline website or call their airline for all questions regarding upcoming flights, schedule changes and waiving of change fees for future travel.
