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COVID-19 updates
Burlington City Hall, Burlington Public Works & Burlington Waterworks will reopen to the public on Monday, June 15. Services via phone, mail, and www.burlingtoniowa.org continue and citizens are encouraged to use those when possible. Listed below you will find a brief directory of City services:
- Development 753-8131
- Inspections 753-8135
- Finance 753-8123 OR 753-8138
- City Manager 753-8120
- City Clerk 753-8120
- Human Resources 753-8161 OR 753-8178
- Public Works 753-8171
- Street & Sewer Department 753-8119
- Wastewater 753-8157
In accordance with state and federal guidelines, recommendations, and protocols, the City has taken the following steps to minimize risk for visitors and staff:
- Requiring staff to self-screen for illness before reporting for work each day
- Providing personal protective equipment or safety shields, where appropriate
- Establishing hygiene expectations
- Adding hand sanitizing stations
- Increasing frequency of cleaning
- Posting safety guidelines at entrances
- Encouraging social distancing
The Burlington Public Library remains closed to the public but continue curbside service. Burlington City Council Meetings and Work Sessions are still closed to the public.
The City of Burlington is working with local, state, and federal partners to keep our community informed about COVID-19, or coronavirus. Please check this page for updates and resources as they become available.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, or coronavirus, is a respiratory disease which has now seen cases in the United States. Symptoms vary by individual but can cause severe illness, especially to older adults or those with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems. There is currently no vaccine or approved medications for treatment at this time. Symptoms include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath and can last up to 14 days.
How to protect yourself and others
1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Stay home when you are sick.
4. Call before going to Quick Care or your Medical Provider if you are symptomatic in order to avoid spreading the disease.
5. The State of Iowa has a COVID-19 hotline at 211, if you feel you may be infected.
6. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
7. Mask will not be adequate protection to prevent you from contracting COVID-19. Mask should be worn by people who are symptomatic or believe they have contracted the illness, to help prevent the spread of your virus.
8. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces by using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
9. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
10. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The City of Burlington recommends social distancing at this time if you are at a higher risk for health complications or care for someone that is. This could mean staying home in non-emergent and non-essential situations, utilizing online or phone resources when possible, or taking appropriate precautions if needing to travel. The City of Burlington offers many resources itself that can help you ’Skip the Trip’ when making plans to take care of items or needs.
Skip the Trip City Resource Flyer (PNG)
Make a Plan
It is important that our citizens are prepared in the event that family members are unable to go to work or school because of illness. It is a normal concern for what this new virus means for you and your family. There are resources on the right hand side of this page that will keep you up to date on the latest facts surrounding COVID-19. It is important that we all remain focused on our goals of community safety.
Health and Government Resources
- Centers for Disease Control Website
- Iowa Department of Public Health Website
- Iowa 211 Hotline
- Governor Reynolds State of Iowa Office
- Safe Home Guide for Disinfecting Your Home
Illinois Stay At Home Order
- Effective March 21, 2020 until April 7, 2020.
Local Links
Small Business Gap Financing Available Through SEIRPC
Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission has small business gap financing available for businesses in the SEIRPC region that are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Current small business loan customers and new customers may qualify for up to $10,000 in emergency funds. Contact Tammy lamm, Regional Development Coordinator at tlamm@seirpc.com or (319) 753-4306.
COVID-19 Emergency Loan Fund - Existing RLF Clients
COVID-19 Emergency Loan Fund - New RLF Clients
Emergency Loan Application
Amtrak
- Amtrak will continue to operate but with reduced service. Check their website for complete details.
Local Business Updates
Greater Burlington Health
- Great River Health
- COVID-19 Great River Health Hotline
- 319-768-1009
- COVID-19 Great River Health Hotline
Business Links
- Small Business Relief Grant Program and Tax Deferral - Deadline March 31, at 12:00 PM
- U.S. Small Business Administration - Disaster Loan
- Iowa Economic Development Targeted Small Business Sole Operator Funds
- Coronavirus Emergency Loans for Small Business
- Greater Burlington Partnership Guide for Small Business Owners
State Recommendations
June 10, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation to lift 50% restrictions for businesses, eases other restrictions
- The governor announced the 50% capacity limit for Iowa businesses will be lifted at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 12. Social-distancing requirements of 6 feet for certain businesses like restaurants, bars and theaters, will stay in place.
- Full proclamation can be read online in its entirety.
May 13, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation to begin to re-open establishments in Des Moines County
- Salons, barbershops, massage and tattoo parlors, restaurants (not bars), fitness centers, libraries, and race tracks are now permitted to open with provisions starting at 5:00 AM Friday, May 15th.
- Proclamation continues other ongoing closures and public health measures, including prohibition on social gatherings of more than 10 people.
- Full proclamation can be read online in its entirety.
April 17, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds announces Iowa schools to extend closures through end of school year
April 6, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation to extend State Public Health Emergency Declaration.
- Extends retail business closures
- Closes indoor and outdoor children’s playgrounds
- Closes campgrounds
- Closes race tracks and and speedway
- Closures effective 8:00 AM April 7th through Thursday, April 30th.
April 2, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation to extend State Public Health Emergency Declaration.
- Extends school closures through April 30, 2020.
- Extends closures of restaurants, bars and previously described businesses through April 30, 2020.
- Extends prohibition of social gatherings of 10 or more people through April 30, 2020.
- Continuation of ban on elective, non-essential surgeries through April 30, 2020.
March 31, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation to extend State Public Health Emergency Declaration.
- Allows bars/restaurants to provide carry out or delivery sale of alcoholic beverages through April 7, 2020.
March 26, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration.
- Suspends elective and non-essential medical and dental procedures
- Extends retail business closures
- Orders health care facilities and nursing homes to engage in advanced health care screenings
- Removes additional legal barriers to ensure continued strong response to this disaster
- See full text of proclamation through Governor Reynolds website.
March 22, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds signs additional proclamation to help mitigate spread further and help those affected by closures.
- Salons, medical spas, barbershops, tattoo establishments, tanning facilities, massage therapy establishments and swimming pools are ordered to close effective Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 10:00 PM until Tuesday, March 31, 2020
- Suspends foreclosures on residential, commercial and agricultural property.
March 17, 2020 - Gov. Reynolds issues a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency.
- Restaurants and Bars, Fitness Centers, Theaters, Casinos and Gambling Facilities, Mass Gatherings, Senior Citizen Centers and Adult Daycare Facilities are ordered to close effective 12:00 PM March 17, 2020.
March 15, 2020 - Governor Reynolds recommends Iowa schools close for four weeks
Large events and mass gatherings - Updated March 15, 2020
- CDC recommends that for the next 8 weeks cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more
Community Spread confirmed in Iowa - March 14, 2020
Social Practices - Updated March 12, 2020
- CDC recommends practicing social distancing, discouraging handshakes and high fives and implementing disinfection procedures
Governor Reynolds signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency - March 9, 2020
Local Program and Service Updates
City Council Recommendations
- June 15, 2020 - Burlington City Hall and Burlington Public Works will reopen to the public.
- June 1, 2020 - Burlington Urban Service, BUS, returned to normal hours of service.
- April 7, 2020 - Mayor Billups signs update to the Emergency Proclamation that:
- Playground equipment, including Skate Park, is now closed for use.
- Gatherings of 10 or more people are strongly discouraged until further notice.
- Individuals are recommended to not leave their home or place of residence, except to conduct or participate in essential activities.
- Solid Waste will continue to allow one extra 33 gallon (limit 40 lb) container of household waste to be collected at no additional cost to citizen.
- March 17, 2020 - Mayor Billups signs Emergency Proclamation that would:
- Close Burlington City Hall, Burlington Police Department, Burlington Fire Department, Burlington Public Works, and the Burlington Sewer Plant to the public while providing remote alternatives for citizens to conduct business.
- Close the Burlington Public Library to the public while maintaining any online services.
- Access to the Senior Center and the Depot will be closed to the public.
- All Park and Recreation organized activities are suspended immediately until further notice. (This would include RecPlex and Flint Hills Golf Course)
- March 16, 2020 - City Council approves resolution recommending all events held on City property or City buildings be cancelled or postponed with the following guidelines:
- Events with 10 or more people be cancelled or postponed for the next 15 days or through March 31, 2020.
- Events with 50 or more people be cancelled or postponed for the next 8 weeks or through May 10, 2020.
City Hall
- Effective 12:00 PM on March 17, 2020 City Hall will be closed to the public to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This comes after a proclamation from Gov. Reynolds to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people until March 31. Our staff is still available and able to help answer questions over the phone. Listed below you will find a brief directory of City Hall services:
- Development 753-8131
- Inspections 753-8135
- Finance 753-8123 OR 753-8138
- City Manager 753-8120
- City Clerk 753-8120
- Human Resources 753-8161 OR 753-8178
- Rental Inspections have been postponed through April 17th as of now. All upcoming inspections have been contacted and rescheduled. Rental permits will stay effective during this time. Any questions can be sent to Matt (319-753-8142) or Ross (319-753-8172).
- Earth Day 2020 cleanup event for April has been postponed.
Burlington Parks and Recreation
- Effective March 30, access to outdoor play equipment has been closed.
- Flint Hills Golf Course remains open with limitations of tee time only. Contact Brad at the course to get set up at 319-752-2018.
- Parks and trails remain open with recommendations to continue with social distancing guidelines.
Burlington Public Library
- March 17, 2020 - The library will be closed due to new CDC recommendations. Staff will still be able to help answer phone calls, emails, and social media posts. Online library resources can be found on Facebook.
- March 16, 2020 - All library sponsored programs, events, classes, and outreach have been postponed until further notice.
Burlington Urban Service
- Effective March 19, 2020 the Burlington Urban Service will be ending Saturday Service for the foreseeable future. Effective March 23, 2020 the Burlington Urban Service will alter the bus routes and reduce the number of buses in service. In order to reduce the Burlington Urban Services role in spreading COVID-19, please limit rides to essential use only and schedule rides further in advance so we can help to accommodate your rides.
Solid Waste
- Beginning March 30, Burlington residents will be able to place an extra bag or container of garbage next to your city container until May 1st. An extra bag tag will not be required. For the safety of employees, please try to prevent loose refuse in containers. All bags/containers must weigh less than 40 pounds. No containers over 33 gallons allowed for the extra container to be counted towards free collection. All garbage above and beyond the extra bag/container still must have a tag attached, and only be in bags.
DESCOM Updates
- If there is a medical emergency, fire, or eminent threat to public safety contact 911 immediately.
- Alert the 911 telecommunicator immediately if you or anyone in your home is experiencing any flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, confusion, chest pain, or blueish lips or face.