Dealership Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
IADA has compiled the latest coronavirus-related updates into one email for you. Let Brittany Bungert know if anyone else at your dealership should be on this distribution list.
Governor Reynolds Begins Easing Restrictions
Earlier today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced that 77 counties will have some of the restrictions enacted in her public health emergency proclamations lifted on May 1. That includes opening retail stores to operate at 50% capacity. Current restrictions were extended for the remaining 22 counties through at least May 15.

Counties maintaining the current level of restrictions are:
  • Allamakee
  • Benton
  • Black Hawk
  • Bremer
  • Dallas
  • Des Moines
  • Dubuque
  • Fayette
  • Henry
  • Iowa
  • Jasper
  • Johnson
  • Linn
  • Louisa
  • Marshall
  • Muscatine
  • Polk
  • Poweshiek
  • Scott
  • Tama
  • Washington
  • Woodbury

The governor emphasized during her press conference today that she continues to ask Iowans to socially distance and maintain all restrictions not specifically addressed in today's proclamation.

Additional information about the governor's proclamation will be available later today on her website and through coronavirus.iowa.gov.
What to Do When an Employee Test Positive
As the number of positive cases in Iowa continues to increase, so does the likelihood that an employee at your dealership will be exposed. At least one person at every dealership should watch NADA's webinar So, an Employee Has COVID-19 Symptoms or Has Tested Positive… Now What?, which provides a comprehensive overview. NADA also put together a helpful blog post on what to do if an employee has symptoms or tests positive.

If an employee received a confirmed diagnosis, your dealership will need to:
  • Determine who the employee interacted with in the 14 days prior to experiencing symptoms.
  • Notify employees who have been in contact with the employee with the positive test, but not disclose the identity of that person.
  • Require any employee with a diagnosis, with symptoms, or who worked near the employee with a diagnosis to follow medical guidance.
  • Have a professional cleaning crew sanitize and disinfect the entire building. This may necessitate the dealership's closure for a short time.
  • Be prepared to answer questions from customers and the media.
All Dealerships Should Follow CDC Best Practice Guidelines
All Iowa dealerships—and all Iowans—should be following the CDC's best practice guidance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

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