City of Cedar Rapids
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
On This Page:
- Recent Updates
- City of Cedar Rapids Information
- Videos
- Trusted Sources
- Iowa State of Public Health Disaster Emergency
- COVID-19 Coronavirus Prevention Information
- Reopening Toolkit for Businesses
- Business Reopening FAQ
- Business Registry
- Database of Business Resources (City of Cedar Rapids & The Gazette partnership)
- Governor's Proclamation: Requirements and Limitations for Cedar Rapids Businesses
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Access City Services Online
- COVID-19 City Managers Report - April 14, 2020
- Database of Resident Resources (City of Cedar Rapids & The Gazette partnership)
Recent Updates
City of Cedar Rapids Mayor Issues Mask Mandate | September 2, 2020
Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart signed an emergency proclamation making face coverings mandatory in public places throughout Cedar Rapids, whenever proper social distance cannot be maintained. The mandate is effective immediately. Scientific studies have shown that face coverings over the mouth and nose significantly reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Read more...Proclamation
Mask Mandate Frequently Asked Questions
City of Cedar Rapids Public Services Available | September 2, 2020
City services to the public continue to be fully operational and available online, via phone and by email. Departments are making efforts to ensure minimal disruption to public services, while taking necessary COVID-19 precautions. Read more…
Public-Private Partnership Supports Local Restaurants, Families | June 26, 2020
The City of Cedar Rapids, in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Community School District, is increasing food distribution to families in need while at the same time supporting local restaurants. Read more…
2020 Cedar Rapids Fire Department Fire Bowl Canceled | June 26
The Cedar Rapids Firefighters Foundation has canceled the 2020 Fire Bowl due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Fire Bowl was scheduled for August, however, COVID-19 remains a serious consideration for event organizers. Read more…
Noelridge Farmers' Market to Open July 1 | June 26
The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department will open the Noelridge Farmers’ Market, on the corner of Collins Road and Council Street NE, on Wednesday, July 1 at 4:00 p.m. Read more…
City of Cedar Rapids Information
In This Section:
- City Business
- Public Meetings
- Utilities
- Transit Service
- Parks & Recreation
- Park CR Downtown Parking
- Partnerships & Planning
City Business
The City continues to operate and maintain essential services to the public. Many services and city business can be conducted online or over the phone. View a full list of online resources.
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Public Meetings
Non-essential in-person public meetings have been canceled until further notice. Routine City Council meetings and Board and Commission meetings are held via Zoom and streamed on the City of Cedar Rapids Facebook page.
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Utilities
Solid Waste & Recycling
The division is observing routine collection. The ½ Price Appliance Drop-off and Free Tire Disposal programs were suspended in 2020. Customers can utilize the Bulky Item Collection program to dispose of appliances and tires.
Water
While walk-in access to the Water Administration building is temporarily suspended, the City of Cedar Rapids offers several ways to complete payments and fulfill its customer service needs:
- Online Payments at www.CityofCR.com/Water
- Customer Service by Phone at 319-286-5900
- Drop Boxes at City Hall and Water Administration Building are still in service
The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to our water supply is low. EPA recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual. According to the CDC, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Read more in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Water Pollution Control & Sewer
The Sewer division reminds customers that, apart from wastewater, only the “Three P’s” can go down the drain — toilet Paper, Poo, and Pee. “Flushable” wipes are not safe for the sewer system and — like fats, oils, and grease — can cause build up and clog pipes.
The toilet is NOT a trash can. Please do not flush:
- Baby wipes
- Kitchen cleaning/disinfecting wipes
- Makeup removal pads
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Toilet brush pads
- Diapers or nursing pads
- Hygiene products
- Personal care products
Find more information from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies at nacwa.org/toilets
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Transit Service
Read about precautions and requirements for riders.
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Parks & Recreation
The public is reminded to follow CDC guidelines when using parks including:
- Follow social distancing standards of a minimum of six feet between you and other park users.
- Do not gather in groups beyond members of your own household.
- Practice good personal hygiene – wash your hands regularly.
- Be aware that park restrooms are currently closed and water is not turned on. Please bring hand sanitizer with you.
- Please carry out any trash that is brought into the parks.
- If you have been sick in the last two weeks or have a cough, fever or other flu-like symptoms, stay home for the health and safety of yourself and others.
- Individuals 60 years of age and older, or those with underlying conditions, should stay at home to avoid potential exposures.
- Trail users on any trail system are encouraged to maintain distance between themselves and others by signaling your presence with your voice, bell, or horn, and stepping off the trail to allow others to pass.
Facility Openings/Closures:
OPEN:
- Tuma Sports Complex - OPEN
- Twin PInes and Gardner Golf Courses - OPEN
- Ushers Ferry Lodge - OPEN for rentals
- Noelridge Farmers' Market - OPEN
CLOSED:
- Bender Pool – CLOSED
- City Services Center – CLOSED
- Ellis Golf Course – CLOSED (storm damage)
- Jones Golf Course – CLOSED
- Northwest Recreation Center – CLOSED
- Old MacDonald's Farm in Bever Park – CLOSED
- New Park Pavilion Rentals - SUSPENDED for the rest of the season
- Tait Cummins Sports Complex – CLOSED
- Ushers Ferry Historic Village – CLOSED
- Ushers Ferry Lodge – AVAILABLE for rentals
- Veterans Tennis Center – CLOSED
Parks & Playgrounds: Openings/Closures
OPEN:
- Twin Pines, Hayes, Hidder, Creekside (Noelridge), Cleveland Splash Pads – OPEN
- K9 Acres Off-Leash Area – OPEN
- Cheyenne Dog Park – OPEN
- Cedar Valley Nature Trail – OPEN
- Cedar Lake, Ellis, Edgewood, Cherokee, Lindale, CEMAR Commuter Trails – OPEN
- Prairie Park Fishery – OPEN
Program Changes and Other Park Closures
Find latest program information »
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Park CR Downtown Parking
Park Cedar Rapids has resumed normal parking practices beginning June 1, 2020. This includes both monthly parking operations and enforcement practices related to metered parking in downtown.
Cedar Rapids’ downtown parking system, in cooperation with the City of Cedar Rapids, Park Cedar Rapids, and the Downtown Parking Management Board had enacted changes to on-street enforcement practices beginning in March, to provide relief and assistance to downtown workers and businesses.
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Partnerships & Planning
The City of Cedar Rapids is working with local, state and federal partners to keep our community informed about the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
The City currently has a plan in place to keep our employees safe so that they can continue to provide essential services to our community. We also want to make sure that we provide facts and prevention tips from our partners, like Linn County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Public Health.
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Videos
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The FAQs have been moved to another page.
Rumor Control and Trusted Sources
As we continue our efforts of promoting official, verified information, we wanted to provide residents with a list of trusted sources. While this list is certainly not exhaustive, it includes a snapshot of trusted sources in the healthcare, food, and transportation industries. Their respective social media pages are the best places to find and share information that addresses many resident concerns and rumors.
- State of Iowa COVID-19
- Linn County Public Health
- Iowa Department of Public Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- FEMA
- UnityPoint Health
- Mercy Hospital
- Iowa Department of Transportation
- Iowa Grocery Industry Association
- Cedar Rapids Community School District
- College Community School District
- United Way of East Central Iowa
The FEMA rumor control page can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control. The purpose of the FEMA page is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts . Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. We can all stop the spread of disinformation by following 3 key steps: don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along, and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts. Encourage your friends and families to do the same, and be advocates for responsible and accurate messaging during this already stressful time.
The City has been actively addressing rumors and posting factual information on City communications channels. Recent rumors about COVID-19 “at home” test kits was addressed on the City’s Facebook page (there are no FDA approved kits currently on the market).
The official City communications channels include:
- City of CR Facebook
- City of CR Twitter
- Police Twitter
- Fire Twitter
- City of CR Instagram: CityofCR
- Police Department Facebook
- Fire Department Facebook
- Parks and Recreation Facebook
Iowa State of Public Health Disaster Emergency
The Governor issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Coronavirus Prevention Information
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- 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.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
The Iowa Department of Public Health has provided guidance for businesses, schools, healthcare, long-term care, general public, and travelers.
It is important for Cedar Rapids residents to prepare for the potential of COVID-19 in the same way they prepare for severe weather or other events that could disrupt their normal routine.
- Make a plan and discuss it with your family. What would you do if you could not go to work or school because of illness? What if your daycare provider was ill? How would you get groceries if you were ill? These are all questions to think about.
- It is normal to be concerned about a new virus.
- Being uncertain and anxious about COVID-19 is normal, especially with reports of illness and death.
- Prevention of COVID-19 is the same as that for other respiratory illnesses (like flu).
The Center for Disease Control has the following recommendations to stop the spread of germs:
