On Sunday, March 8, the Director of Community Relations of the Iowa City Community School District Kristin Pederson sent an email to staff and parents regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Johnson County. Three cases were confirmed earlier that day. 

“Late this afternoon, Governor Reynolds announced that there are three presumptive positive cases of Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) in Johnson County,” the email read. 

One of the cases, as described by officials, is middle-aged, and the other two are older. Two have underlying health conditions while one does not. All three returned from a cruise through Egypt on March 3.

“While this news is concerning, it’s not cause for alarm,” Reynolds said. “The most important thing that we can do right now is to remain calm, understand the situation and stay informed in the days and weeks ahead.”

“We’re still in the early stages of gathering all the information necessary to fully assess the situation and prepare for the next steps,” Reynolds continued. “As soon as we know more, you’ll know more.”

A few days prior on March 6, the ICCSD sent an update to parents and staff about international foreign language trips. 

“It is our recommendation after reviewing this guidance [from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the federal Center of Disease Control] and consulting with legal counsel that all international student trips be postponed or canceled until further notice,” the email read. 

As of March 9, 545 cases have been confirmed in the U.S. in 34 states. 22 people have died, but 19 of those have been in Washington state. 19 cases have been related to travel in Egypt.

Click here for the most recent coverage or here to read about the first email sent by ICCSD to parents and staff.