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The Washington Community School District announced Sunday night at about 9:30 p.m. that the district is closed until further notice. Governor Kim Reynolds is recommending that Iowa schools close for four weeks.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the announcement was made Sunday night following the discovery of “the existence of substantial community spread of COVID-19” in Iowa. The school closure is a step aimed to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus. As of Sunday, there are 22 positive cases of COVID-19, including one child under 18. On March 9, Reynolds signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency.

According to IDPH, the number of positive cases is expected to increase as testing options expand. IDPH adds that the state is developing policies to ensure access to child care during this time of emergency, as well as meals for low-income students. Reynolds has a press conference scheduled for Monday.

On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control issued guidance to postpone mass gatherings for the next eight weeks for any events of 50 or more people. The goal is to slow the spread of infection and reduce the introduction of the virus into new communities. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It has been advised that if you present such symptoms, then call your healthcare provider to set up a time to be seen.