By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Humboldt Law Enforcement Center has changed its protocol for answering the phone for calls for service.
In a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s office they state that the dispatchers will continue to answer the phones, but now before any first responders are dispatched for the call there will be a series of questions asked. The answer to these questions will determine as to what degree law enforcement and first responders will respond to the call.
The questions that will be asked by the dispatcher are as follows:
- Do you have a fever (subjective or confirmed) or respiratory illness (cough or shortness of breath)?
- Taken a cruise anywhere int he world int he last 14 days
- Traveled internationally in the last 14 days
- Live with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Provided care for a patient with symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19 without using proper personal protective equipment
- Had close contact(within six feet for two minutes) with a person who is visibily sick with respiratory symptoms or says they are sick with a fever or respiratory symptoms
- Have you travel out of the State of Iowa to a COVID-19 “HOT SPOT” or to an area of IOWA with a lot of confirmed cases (Linn and Johnson Counties)
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and LEC remind everyone that we are all in this together. They are here to serve Humboldt County but have to take every precaution necessary in order to continue to provide this essential service.