A request has been made that people no longer step onto the grounds of the Iowa Veterans Home until further notice.

Commandant Timon Oujiri said people have been great with the support and donations. However, now that the weather is nice, residents want to spend time outside and there is a concern that people on the grounds will increase the likelihood of COVID-19 spreading.

“The last couple of days we have had well-meaning community members approach to speak with our residents,” he said. “These community members were not wearing masks, therefore increasing the possibility of exposure of our residents and staff.”

Oujiri said long-term care facilities, such as IVH, are hotspots for COVID-19 in the state. On Wednesday, 11 outbreaks in long-term care facilities across Iowa were confirmed.

“If it gets in here, it will be hard to control,” the commandant said. “It can’t get in here.”

The IVH grounds will be closed to walkers, bikers, and joggers until further notice.

“As community spread is increasing in Marshalltown we are requesting that no one come onto the Iowa Veterans Home grounds,” Oujiri said. “To assist IVH in mitigating risk to residents we are asking for your assistance. As our residents begin to move outside to enjoy the spring air and weather we need your help to keep them safe and COVID-19 out of IVH.”

The only non-staff personnel allowed on campus for the time being will be essential service personnel contractors, vendors and food deliveries.