Latest coronavirus updates: March 16 | 5:35 p.m.

Public Health and Government

Pleasant Hill announced changes in public services Monday afternoon. The Pleasant Hill City Hall will remain open during business hours but the public is advised to call 515-262-9368 instead of visiting in person. The Pleasant Hill Public Library will be closed until further notice beginning March 17; no late fees or penalties will be added during this time. Online resources and upcoming online activities will be available at www.pleasanthilliowa.org/library. The Doanes Park Youth Center and reservations for outdoor facilities will be closed beginning March 17; all recreational programming is canceled. A newsletter to receive ongoing updates is available online.

Clive is closing all city buildings to the public from March 18 to April 12, city staff announced Monday afternoon. Effective March 18, Clive public meetings -- except City Council meetings -- will be postponed or conducted by telephone or video conference, which members of the public will have access to. The City Council meeting scheduled March 26 is expected to take place face-to-face, though the council is evaluating options. Information on accessing meetings and materials will be posted to www.cityofclive.org. The Clive Public Library will be closed to the public March 18-April 12, with online resources still available; due dates will not be enforced through at least April 12. All city facility rentals are canceled or postponed until further notice, and all library and recreational events through April 12 are canceled or postponed.

Health Care

Delta Dental of Iowa begins working remotely

Delta Dental of Iowa began implementing a work-from-home strategy on Monday in an effort to minimize the potential risks of community spread of COVID-19. “We have planned and prepared for situations that allow us to be remote while continuing to provide our customers with exceptional quality service,” the dental and vision insurer said in a release. “Our teams have the tools and resources to meet our customers’ needs. We believe there will be little to no business disruption during this time. This is an unprecedented situation and we appreciate your patience.” The company may be reached at 877-983-3582 for any questions.

Tips for Delta Delta Dental members going to dentist or eye doctor

During the coronavirus emergency, Delta Dental of Iowa has provided these reminders for those with dental or eye appointments:

• If you or your family members are not feeling well, you should stay at home. Be sure to contact your provider to cancel and reschedule your appointment.

• If you have any questions about an upcoming appointment and the safety of keeping that appointment, you should contact your provider.

• Many providers are asking additional screening questions related to COVID-19, such as whether you have traveled overseas or whether you have any respiratory symptoms. Your provider may also take your temperature.

• As a reminder, health professionals including dentists and vision providers follow infection control procedures in their practice as required by state law and as currently directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Arts and Culture

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Trellis Cafe are closed beginning Tuesday through March 31, the organization announced Monday afternoon. All events and programs will be postponed or canceled. The Botanical Garden plans to reopen on April 1 but will continue to follow recommendations from state and federal public health authorities, the organization said. Ongoing updates will be available online.

Education

Mercy College closes campus amid spread of COVID-19

Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines announced that beginning Wednesday, March 18, the college will no longer permit faculty, staff, students or visitors on campus. Due to positive cases at MercyOne and around Central Iowa, all clinical and preceptor experiences have also been canceled. This precaution will continue until further notice. All classes will return fully online on March 30. The change extends spring break by an additional week. During this time, Mercy College has made investments in technology resources to ensure staff and faculty can continue to provide support to all current and prospective students remotely, the college said in a news release. All classes and support services will be made available online for free. Students are encouraged to contact their instructors, academic adviser, admissions department, or other areas of the College as appropriate. More information and future updates are available on the college’s website.

Public Health and Government

Pleasant Hill announced changes in public services Monday afternoon. The Pleasant Hill City Hall will remain open during business hours but the public is advised to call 515-262-9368 instead of visiting in person. The Pleasant Hill Public Library will be closed until further notice beginning March 17; no late fees or penalties will be added during this time. Online resources and upcoming online activities will be available at www.pleasanthilliowa.org/library. The Doanes Park Youth Center and reservations for outdoor facilities will be closed beginning March 17; all recreational programming is canceled. A newsletter to receive ongoing updates is available online.

Clive is closing all city buildings to the public from March 18 to April 12, city staff announced Monday afternoon. Effective March 18, Clive public meetings — except City Council meetings — will be postponed or conducted by telephone or video conference, which members of the public will have access to. The City Council meeting scheduled March 26 is expected to take place face-to-face, though the council is evaluating options. Information on accessing meetings and materials will be posted to www.cityofclive.org. The Clive Public Library will be closed to the public March 18-April 12, with online resources still available; due dates will not be enforced through at least April 12. All city facility rentals are canceled or postponed until further notice, and all library and recreational events through April 12 are canceled or postponed.

Health Care

Delta Dental of Iowa begins working remotely

Delta Dental of Iowa began implementing a work-from-home strategy on Monday in an effort to minimize the potential risks of community spread of COVID-19. “We have planned and prepared for situations that allow us to be remote while continuing to provide our customers with exceptional quality service,” the dental and vision insurer said in a release. “Our teams have the tools and resources to meet our customers’ needs. We believe there will be little to no business disruption during this time. This is an unprecedented situation and we appreciate your patience.” The company may be reached at 877-983-3582 for any questions.

Tips for Delta Delta Dental members going to dentist or eye doctor

During the coronavirus emergency, Delta Dental of Iowa has provided these reminders for those with dental or eye appointments:

• If you or your family members are not feeling well, you should stay at home. Be sure to contact your provider to cancel and reschedule your appointment.

• If you have any questions about an upcoming appointment and the safety of keeping that appointment, you should contact your provider.

• Many providers are asking additional screening questions related to COVID-19, such as whether you have traveled overseas or whether you have any respiratory symptoms. Your provider may also take your temperature.

• As a reminder, health professionals including dentists and vision providers follow infection control procedures in their practice as required by state law and as currently directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Arts and Culture

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Trellis Cafe are closed beginning Tuesday through March 31, the organization announced Monday afternoon. All events and programs will be postponed or canceled. The Botanical Garden plans to reopen on April 1 but will continue to follow recommendations from state and federal public health authorities, the organization said. Ongoing updates will be available online.

Education

Mercy College closes campus amid spread of COVID-19

Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines announced that beginning Wednesday, March 18, the college will no longer permit faculty, staff, students or visitors on campus. Due to positive cases at MercyOne and around Central Iowa, all clinical and preceptor experiences have also been canceled. This precaution will continue until further notice. All classes will return fully online on March 30. The change extends spring break by an additional week. During this time, Mercy College has made investments in technology resources to ensure staff and faculty can continue to provide support to all current and prospective students remotely, the college said in a news release. All classes and support services will be made available online for free. Students are encouraged to contact their instructors, academic adviser, admissions department, or other areas of the College as appropriate. More information and future updates are available on the college’s website.

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