Clayton County Conservation Board Campgrounds are open with restrictions. The Osborne Nature Center/Welcome Center, Conservation Offices will be open by appointment May 14th. Details of restrictions included in the document links below. CCCB Campground Reopening Conservation Department Reopening

DNR announces policies and procedures for campgrounds reopening in Iowa LOCAL NEWS by: Britni Moses Posted: May 6, 2020 / 08:40 PM CDT / Updated: May 6, 2020 / 08:42 PM CDT In response to a new proclamation issued today by Governor Reynolds to reopen campgrounds in the state of Iowa effective Friday, May 8, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced policies and procedures correlating with social distancing practices amid the COVID-19 outbreak. According to a press release from the Iowa DNR, campgrounds will open at 8 a.m. on Friday to campers with “self-contained” restrooms only. “Self-contained” is defined by the Iowa DNR as a “tent or pop-up camper with a portable toilet or an RV with a functioning, self-contained bathroom.” Walk-in campers may begin registering at 8 a.m. The Iowa DNR says only walk-in campers are allowed on a first-come, first-served basis from Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10. On Monday, May 11, reservations will go into effect. The Iowa DNR’s campground reservation system will begin accepting reservations at 9 a.m. on Friday. Beginning Friday, May 15 — unless otherwise notified directly by the Iowa DNR — all other reservations will continue. The Iowa DNR apologizes to those with reservations scheduled from Friday through Thursday, May 14. They say those dates will not be honored because “refunds have already been issued, and the transactions are complete.” According to the Iowa DNR, state parks have seen a “great influx of visitors at our parks,” and they expect to see the same at campgrounds. Keeping this in mind, the Iowa DNR says “parks staff will be closely monitoring these areas to avoid gatherings of groups larger than 10.” They add how the presence of staff throughout the parks and campgrounds will “remind and educate visitors to continue physical distancing while enjoying some of Iowa’s most beautiful public places.” The Iowa DNR asks campers to abide by the following guidelines: Visitors will not be allowed in the campgrounds; only those occupying the campsites Campfires at the individual campsites will be limited to campers occupying that campsite Six occupants per campsite, unless immediate family contains more than six Some pit latrines are now open in busier day-use areas All modern restrooms and shower buildings, including water fountains, will remain closed Communal picnic tables and grills are open for use at your own risk Playgrounds, day-use rental lodges and shelter houses will remain closed Cabins, yurts and shelter houses will remain closed Visitors centers, nature centers and museums within state parks will remain closed Beaches remain open but will be monitored closely The Iowa DNR says some campgrounds may be closed due to construction or maintenance issues and encourages those interested in visiting to check the specific closure information for each park before planning a camping trip. The practice of physical distancing is highly recommended by the Iowa DNR “so that the parks and campgrounds remain open as a viable option for recreational opportunity,” and they advise campers to “assume personal responsibility and abide by the guidelines set forth.” More information about the 68 parks and four state forests within the state of Iowa is available here and here.

This proclamation regards reopening some businesses, including dental services, drive in theaters, campgrounds, tanning facilities, and medical spas. Read the proclamation in its entirety here.

KIMT3 News reports: Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) says employees who refused to return to work when recalled by their employer will lose unemployment benefits, except for the following circumstances: • If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms; • If you have recovered but it caused medical complications rendering you unable to perform essential job duties; • If a member of your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19; • If you are providing care for a member of your household who was diagnosed with COVID-19; • If you do not have childcare due to COVID-19 reasons; or • If you do not have transportation to your place of work because of COVID-19. IWD says refusing to return to work when recalled for any other reason, or in an attempt to continue to draw unemployment benefits will be considered a “voluntary quit” which would disqualify a person from receiving benefits and that includes the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit of $600 a week. Continue reading here. ATTENTION EMPLOYERS: If you have offered work to employees and your employee refuses to return to work, you must notify Iowa Workforce Development here:  https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/job-offer-decline-form-employers

It is now more important than ever that area residents support their local businesses. Due to recent concerns over the spread of Covid-19 many area retailers and restaurants have had to re-think how they serve the public. Click here to learn about how you can support Guttenberg and Garnavillo businesses.

Click here for the latest community and business updates from McGregor and Marquette.