Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien issued an emergency proclamation Monday in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Washington Free Public Library will be closed to the public until further notice. The proclamation comes after Governor Kim Reynolds recommended that all schools close for four weeks. The mayor’s proclamation states that the Iowa Department of Public Health has determined that community spread of COVID-19 has occurred in Iowa and the Centers for Disease Control is recommending to not have gatherings of more than 50 people to mitigate the spread of the virus in the general public. Rosien strongly discourages gatherings of 50 or more people until further notice.

UPDATE: Washington City Hall will close to the public at noon Tuesday (3/17). Essential business will be available by appointment. The drop box will be open and the phones will have personnel answering them.