Cedar Rapids | COVID-19 FAQs

Additional FAQs will be added as necessary.

Virus Information & Trusted Sources

Where can I get factual information about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and specific information about Linn County and Iowa?

See a full list of trusted sources on our COVID-19 Information page.

For the most accurate information, we recommend visiting the Linn County Public Health website or calling 319-892-6000 for specific information about Linn County, including Cedar Rapids. For statewide information, please visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website. The state is also providing information to citizens by calling 211. Public health experts are the best source of information about this global outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19).

What is the City of Cedar Rapids doing about coronavirus in our area?

The City of Cedar Rapids has developed partnerships with local, state and federal partners to keep City employees and citizens informed. City employees have been informed about best practices for reducing the spread of illness in the workplace. The City has also developed emergency operations and continuity of operations plans in the event that the Coronavirus risk increases in Iowa so that essential services can continue to be delivered to our citizens.

View the City of Cedar Rapids COVID-19 Information page.

The City’s Joint Communications Center has initiated a call screening process that follows Center for Disease Control recommendations so that dispatchers can communicate concerns of signs and symptoms and risk factors for Coronavirus immediately with first responders’ arrival at the scene to assure use of appropriate personal protective equipment for the first responders.

Where can I get specific recommendations from public health experts for my business, daycare, school, healthcare facility, or long-term care facility?

The Iowa Department of Public Health website has fact sheets and guidance avaialble for businesses, daycares, schools, healthcare facilities, and long-term care facilities.

Where can the general public get additional fact sheets or find answers to frequently asked questions about the Novel Coronavirus?

The Iowa Department of Public Health website has a fact sheet and FAQs available that are the most accurate, timely and informative.

Water

Is drinking tap water safe, even if there is COVID-19 in our area?

The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to our water supply is low. The City continuously monitors the performance of its drinking water disinfection process, which meets virus removal/inactivation regulations and is expected to be effective for coronavirus control. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 is mainly thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another.

Is tap water safe to use for hand washing?

EPA recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual. According to the CDC, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.

City Operations

Is the Water division is running low on masks and bleach?

The Cedar Rapids Water division is fully outfitted with needed personal protective equipment, including full-face respirators used during chemical process handling. Surgical face masks are not typically used during water treatment operations. Soap and water continues to be an effective way to clean hands and work areas. These supplies remain available. The City’s water supply remains safe for consumption and hand washing. Our treatment process undergoes several redundant phases of virus removal and inactivation. All functions continue to operate without issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alert Detail

Virus Information & Trusted Sources

Water

City Operations