City of Cedar Rapids Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

May 4, 2020

The City of Cedar Rapids was notified over the weekend that an employee working in the Water Administration Building tested positive for COVID-19. Medical privacy prohibits the release of the employees name or other identifying information.

The employee last worked in the building on Thursday, April 30. Any employees with potential exposure have been contacted and asked to isolate at home while monitoring for symptoms. The employee does not have regular contact with the public while performing work duties.

We believe exposure is limited based on procedures implemented previously, such as individual vehicle use and modified shifts. The entire lower level of the Water Administration building received enhanced cleaning over the weekend.

It is important to note that our City’s water supply has not been threatened by this new positive case. Cedar Rapids water undergoes several treatment steps which meet regulatory virus removal/inactivation requirements. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is mainly thought to be spread between people who are in close contact with one another.

City departments continue to take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of exposure for all personnel as we continue to serve the community through this pandemic.