CITY OF OKOBOJI, IOWA – COVID-19
APRIL 16, 2020 UPDATE:
Dickinson County Food Pantries are continuing to serve clients during the COVID-19 outbreak, but have slightly changed the way in which they are doing so. In order to abide by the guidelines set by the CDC and authorities, the pantries are still serving while adhering to social distancing. Pantries are also considered essential and will continue to operate.
You can find a complete list of services available at https://www.dickinsoncountyhunger.com/covid19-update
APRIL 6, 2020 UPDATE:
By order of the City Council of the City of Okoboji and by proclamation from the Governor of the State of Iowa the following facilities are CLOSED until further notice in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19:
- TENNIS COURTS
- BASKETBALL COURT
- SHELTER HOUSE
- RESTROOMS
- PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
At this time, the green space is still available to residents but the City urges residents to follow State of Iowa and CDC guidelines pertaining to social distancing.
MARCH 31, 2020 UPDATE:
Dear Dickinson County Residents,The last few weeks have been difficult for our country, state, and community. We have experienced a new virus spread throughout the world, enter the United States, travel to the Midwest, and make its way to our own county.
Some of you may be returning home from winter locations or opening your summer homes. It’s likely that you’ve traveled on planes, come from out of the country or out of the state which raises your risk of having been exposed to COVID-19. As a result, we respectfully ask you to remain in your home for 14 days after your return, in case you may have been inadvertently exposed to the COVID-19 virus and may be contagious to others. It takes up to 14 days for symptoms to appear after exposure, which is why staying home during this time is critically important. If you do have symptoms of new-onset cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please call the Lakes Regional Healthcare COVID-19 hotline at 712-336-6696 for a phone evaluation. If you need groceries or food, please know local grocery stores now provide the ability for you to order your groceries online and pick them up at the door, without ever getting out of your car. Local restaurants are also available for you to call in your order and pick it up, again without leaving your car. You can also request to have a volunteer pick up and bring your groceries to your home by visiting https://iglcoronarelief.org/.
All of us should be practicing the following:
1. Stay at least 6’ away from others, especially those who are sick.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
5. Cough or sneeze into your elbow, or into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
6. Stay home, except to get medical care when warranted.
The support of the community has been inspiring to us as you’ve gone online to church services, put rainbows in your windows, created a COVID-19 local guide on Facebook, supported local businesses, sewn face masks, canceled public events, and more. Everything you do demonstrates the cohesiveness, strength, and hope we have as a community. We applaud your efforts to “flatten the curve” and with all of us working together, we will keep our neighbors and family safe from COVID-19.
We appreciate your attention to this important step in keeping our community safe.
Best regards,
City of Arnolds Park
City of Lake Park
City of Milford
City of Okoboji
City of Orleans
City of Spirit Lake
City of Superior
City of Terril
City of Wahpeton
City of West Okoboji
Dickinson County Board of Health
Dickinson County Board of Supervisors
Dickinson County Emergency Management
Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Lakes Regional Healthcare
Milford Commercial Club
Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce
MARCH 27, 2020 UPDATE:
For continued information, please utilize these local resources:
Dickinson County Emergency Management
Dickinson County Public Health
Lakes Regional Healthcare – Informational Videos
MARCH 19, 2020 UPDATE:
12:50pm: The City of Okoboji Police Department is also closed to the public until further notice. The Okoboji Police Department is available 24/7 and requests that you please call the Dickinson County Communications Center at 712-336-2525 for Okoboji Police Department Assistance. If it is an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
10:00am: The City of Okoboji City Hall and Public Works building are closed to the public and/or by appointment only. City Staff is on-site and available via telephone and email during normal business hours. Residents may use the drop box to drop off all paperwork and utility bills. The City of Okoboji will continue to serve the community in our full capacity.
If you would like to obtain garbage bags from the City, please call ahead and arrangements will be made. Check or exact change is preferred. $4.00/small, $5.50/large.
contact@okobojicity.com
712.332.2550
Zoning Permit Application: https://okobojicity.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Zoning-Permit-Application.pdf
Zoning Regulations: https://okobojicity.com/government/zoning/
Pay Online: https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/cyg/plc/a00224
Posted March 16, 2020:
On Saturday, March 14, 2020 the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) determined that there is now community spread of COVID-19 in the State of Iowa. As a result, the City of Okoboji is encouraging residents to stay home for services they can access remotely.
Okoboji City Hall
City Staff is happy to help you over the phone with questions or services by phone or online at 712.332.2550 or contact@okobojicity.com.
Utility Bills
Payments for utility bills can be put in drop boxes outside City Hall (1322 Hwy 71 N., Okoboji, Iowa) or mailed to the City (P.O. Box 377, Okoboji, Iowa, 51355). Credit card payments may be made by visiting www.okobojicity.com and clicking the ‘CLICK TO PAY NOW’ button.
Permits
Permit applications are available online and can be submitted to michael.meyers@okobojicity.com. Help is available over the phone by calling 712.332.2550.
Essential Services
All essential services will continue to operate as usual. If you need to contact the Okoboji Public Works Department, please call 712.332.2550. If you need to contact the Okoboji Police Department please call 712.332.7845 (non-emergencies). For emergencies, dial 911.
The health and safety of the residents of Okoboji and City Staff are our top priority. For all instances, the City encourages that you call City Hall. City Staff remains on-site in full capacity to serve the City of Okoboji. Please continue to check with the Iowa Department of Public Health, Dickinson County Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most up to date information regarding COVID-19.