As We Enter 2022, Here’s a Refresher for You About COVID

Heartland AEA is committed to your health and safety. We are aware that COVID-19 and its variants remain present in our communities. While the COVID Task Force hasn’t provided a pandemic communication recently, they wanted to provide this refresher as we enter the winter months. We will continue to monitor, evaluate and provide any further information or adjustments if conditions change. 

Heartland AEA continues to follow allowable mitigation strategies under Iowa regulations. Sources for these recommendations include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). 

Vaccination 

Heartland AEA encourages all staff to get a COVID vaccination as well as the booster shot where appropriate. 

Face Coverings 

The CDC recommends that everyone two years or older who is not fully vaccinated should wear a mask in indoor public places. Face coverings are available for staff and visitors at agency workspaces; however, per Iowa law, the Agency can not require face coverings to be worn in our buildings and workspaces. Please consider wearing a mask when you can’t safely distance yourself from others. A few reminders: 

• Face masks/coverings should cover the nose, mouth and chin with little to no gap. 
• You can wear a disposable mask until it is wet or soiled. 

Stay Home When Sick 

If you are sick or have symptoms of illness, fever, cough or COVID-19 related symptoms, stay home. Consult with your healthcare provider for more information. If interested, the CDC has a Coronavirus Self-Checker to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. Their system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease, including COVID-19. 

Positive COVID 

Test If you test positive for COVID, please notify your supervisor and Human Resources. The HR team will provide guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC on quarantine and possible exposure risk to colleagues and agency sick leave. 

Room Capacities 

Conference/meeting room capacities in our agency offices are gradually returning to their regular pre-COVID numbers. We support social distancing when possible and wearing masks when it’s not an option. 

Visitors 

Visitors who enter our buildings continue to be asked to sign in using our sign-in sheets. 

COVID Task Force 

The Agency’s COVID Task Force that had been meeting since March 2020 to review guidance and provide updates to staff is currently inactive. However, if you have COVID-related questions, please direct them to our Communications Department, and our Communications staff will refer all questions to Task Force members. 

We appreciate the caring attitude of all of you and your continued respect and support of each other as we continue to navigate COVID-19.