Linn County to Close Public Access to Facilities

COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Iowa, and Linn County is taking steps to slow the spread.

Until further notice, KCRG reports that public access to most Linn County offices will be closed. The following facilities will be affected, as employees will work remotely until public health conditions improve enough to allow them to return. Those wishing to conduct business can do so by phone or online at linncounty.org.

• Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids
• Community Services Building (including DHS offices), 1240 26th Ave. Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids
• Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building, 1020 6th St. SW, Cedar Rapids (with the exception of the Child Development Center and Public Health clinic)
• Juvenile Detention Center (providing virtual visits)
• Secondary Road Department, 1888 County Home Rd., Marion
• Wickiup Hill Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Rd., Toddville (scheduled outdoor programs will continue)
• Conservation lodges in Linn County parks
• LIFTS – office is closed to the public but routes are still running. Fares continue to be waived and the number of riders will be limited during each route.
• Linn County Correctional Center – jail (no visits; the Correctional Center has been closed to the public since March 2020)
• Linn County Sheriff’s Office, 310 2nd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids (emergency and patrol services will continue uninterrupted through the Linn County Sheriff’s Office)

Other departments will remain open with limited or no modifications. These include:

• Linn County Child Development Center (continuing with regular operating hours)
• Public Health Clinic, 1020 6th St. SW, Cedar Rapids – will continue to provide vaccine clinics and refugee/immigration clinics by appointment only
• Linn County Courthouse normal operating hours; however, restrictions are in place that limit entry to the courthouse
• Juvenile Justice Center (Juvenile Courthouse) – normal operating hours
• Fillmore Building (overflow homeless shelter) running on normal operating hours

The Linn County Board of Supervisors this week has also unanimously approved a measure requiring a face covering to be worn in public spaces when 6 feet of social distancing cannot be practiced, according to KWWL. This measure comes after Governor Kim Reynolds issued a similar mandate statewide. Linn County's requirement will take effect Thursday and you can learn more here.