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Take Part in the #DSMlocalchallenge, See Message from Polk County

March 31, 2020

Today, we bring you a fun message from Partnership CEO Jay Byers and Catch Des Moines President and CEO Greg Edwards encouraging you to join in on the #DSMlocalchallenge

To get involved in the #DSMlocalchallenge:

  • Post a photo to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn showing how you support local small business and tag three friends to do the same.
  • Use the verbiage “I support (name of business)” and the hashtag #DSMlocalchallenge.
  • Cut and paste these instructions within your post.

Some easy ideas for the DSM Local Challenge are ordering takeout or delivery from a local restaurant, purchasing gift cards from local retailers or restaurants online, and purchasing season passes to our local attractions and museums. Participation can be at an individual level or even businesses helping other businesses or individuals.

Show We Are #DSMstrong

Greater Des Moines (DSM) residents are showing their strength, pride, compassion and selflessness in response to COVID-19. The Partnership is looking for individuals and businesses to share their examples and their stories of #DSMstrong. Submit your photos and videos here and use #DSMstrong and @dsmpartnership on your social post(s). For a list of ideas, click here. Make sure to let your family, friends and coworkers know to participate.

Message from Polk County Public Health and Safeguard Iowa

This note of request and information has been provided by the Polk County Public Health and Safeguard Iowa.

Please consider lifting restrictions that require employees to have a doctor's excuse for illness. The clinicians are currently inundated with serious illnesses, testing individuals for COVID-19 and other health concerns. They will not be able to take the time to write a note for employee. This can also increase exposure to your employee if other individuals in the clinic displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

If you have employees that have pre-existing conditions making them susceptible to serious consequences from contracting COVID-19, we are asking you to make every effort to allow them to work from home or allow them to take sick time to remain safe during this crisis.

Consider increasing cleaning of work surfaces at your facilities. Cleaning should take place frequently throughout the day. Any commercial cleaner is effective as is a mix of bleach and water. Here is a list of EPA approved cleaners that can kill the COVID-19 virus.

If you still have employees working in your business, please follow social distancing guidelines. Each person needs to be six feet apart and no more than 10 people in a common spaced area such as a meeting room. Limit sharing of equipment and using common workstations, break areas, etc.

Finally, if you have an employee that displays any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (persistent cough, fever greater than 100.4, sore throat) they should be sent home immediately and advised to contact their medical provider. Those in immediate contact with that employee should be considered for self-quarantine and observation.

Please see OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 for additional information on our website.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.