Coronavirus: Des Moines City Buildings Closing Due To COVID-19

From the City of Des Moines:

PRESS RELEASE DES MOINES, IOWA — Tuesday, March 17, 2020 – In the interest of protecting the health and safety of our residents and employees and following the guidance of the Iowa Department of Public Health, the City of Des Moines is closing public access to its City Hall, Armory, Municipal Service Center, and Public Works buildings, as well as the office location for the Civil & Human Rights Department, starting at 5 p.m. today through at least Sunday, April 12, 2020.

“Our number one job as a City is keeping our residents, staff and community safe,” said Mayor Frank Cownie. “I declared a state of emergency Sunday to ensure we’re doing everything we can to prevent the spread of this pandemic, and the City will continue taking the necessary steps to protect the people of Des Moines.”

While the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to rapidly change, City staff will work to ensure essential municipal services are maintained as much as possible. Many services will continue to be available via phone, email and the City’s website. A full list of the latest municipal service impacts for Des Moines residents is available at DSM.city/covid19.

All deadlines have been suspended indefinitely for City permits, licenses, certifications and fines.

Residents with questions about changes to our services are asked to call the 24/7 Customer Service Center at (515) 283-4950.

To monitor the most current updates related to COVID-19, visit https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health/programs/disease-prevention/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

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