Coronavirus Surge Extends Des Moines City Building Closures

Press release from the City of Des Moines:

July 27, 2020

DES MOINES, IOWA – Monday, July 27, 2020 – A surge in positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Polk County will keep City of Des Moines administration buildings closed to the public until at least October 1. City leaders closed the buildings on March 17 following an emergency proclamation by Mayor Frank Cownie. The community spread of the virus this summer precluded the scheduled reopening of buildings in June and July.

“With more than 9,000 positive cases in Polk County, we need to see significant improvement in the data before we start moving toward the next stage of our reopening plan,” Cownie said. “This pandemic and the risks it brings will not simply dissipate with time. It doesn’t care if we want to return to our normal lives. We must be more diligent and disciplined than ever to combat it.”

The extended closure announced today includes the City Hall, Armory, Municipal Service Center, and Public Works buildings, the Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) and the office location for the Civil & Human Rights Department.

In addition, the July 31 deadline for pet licenses has been extended until August 31. Pet owners may pay for licenses by mail, at a drop box outside City Hall at 400 Robert D. Ray Drive or over the telephone with credit card information and an emailed scan of their registration.

If you have questions about other City permits, licenses, or fines, you’re encouraged to call the City Clerk’s office at (515) 283-4209 during business hours.

To find updates on City services and programs, please go DSM.city/COVID19.

CONTACT

Al Setka Communications Manager, City Manager’s Office (515) 283-4057 AMSetka@dmgov.org

This press release was produced by the City of Des Moines. The views expressed here are the author’s own.