This week Governor Kim Reynolds released a proclamation to begin the gradual re-opening of the state from the COVID-19 shut-down, but it’s important to note that doesn’t yet include Dallas County.

Dallas County Health Department Public Information Officer Ann Cochran emphasizes that there are 22 counties across Iowa, including Dallas, that will have to wait until at least May 15th before considering opening their doors again. Cochran points out that there has been a rapid increase in coronavirus cases in the County over the last two weeks, so the community spread is still very much active in the area. As such, she asks that people continue practicing social distancing, and keep in mind the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Perhaps more importantly, Cochran says though neighboring counties will have many restrictions lifted this Friday, that doesn’t mean Dallas County residents should go there to take advantage of it. “We are pretty well surrounded by counties that are going to be opening slightly, but it is not the intention that people in Dallas County go running across the county line to go to a restaurant or a bowling alley or whatever. Because of the amount of community spread of COVID-19 here in Dallas County, it’s very very likely that even if you’re not symptomatic you may have some germs. And if you go to some other county with your germs, you’re going to potentially infect somebody else. And I don’t think anybody would do that intentionally, but just because you are anxious to get out and go to a restaurant, doesn’t mean it’s okay to go ahead and do that.”

To hear more from Cochran on the COVID-19 pandemic, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.