(Radio Iowa) – A consumer alert is being issued for Iowans to avoid certain types of face masks that are being sold using deceptive claims and which may not offer protection from COVID-19. Lynn Hicks, a spokesman for the Iowa Attorney General’s office, says they’re asking stores to remove masks from shelves that are labeled as K-N-95 Stereo Protective Masks. “What that ‘KN’ indicates is that it has not met U.S. safety standards,” Hicks says. “It’s manufactured in China and despite the name, many of those masks do not offer 95% protection.”

This is the mask the AG has concerns about.

The masks are advertised as “protective,” which Hicks says is misleading. The packaging also contains confusing and nonsensical content, such as “use funny meltblown filter material,” and “children under three have low vital capacity and are not recommended.” Some masks are priced at $12.99 for a pack of two, while other K-N-95 masks on Amazon sell for about $3 each.  “We’ve gotten some complaints about price gouging and just to make sure people understand, the price gouging rule is still in effect during the public health emergency,” Hicks says. “If people see things that they think are out of line, they can certainly report it to our office and we will check it out.”

The masks were being sold in at least five stores, including Iowa-based Hy-Vee, which Hicks says has agreed to remove the masks from shelves. While most Iowans don’t need the N-95 level of mask, for those who do, this is an important purchase. Hicks says, “If you’re a medical professional who really needs what’s known as an N-95 mask or if you are going to be around people who have COVID, then it could be dangerous.”

He notes, the CDC does -not- recommend the general public wear N-95 respirator masks, as they’re considered critical supplies reserved for health care workers and other first responders.

Page County Sheriff’s Deputies today (Friday), arrested a man for Public Intoxication. 21-year old Spencer Ryan Moore, of Coin, was arrested at around 1:15-a.m., following an investigation into a reported argument at a residence in the 2700 block of F Avenue (about 2 miles southwest of Coin).  Moore was transported to the Page County Jail where he was being held on
$300 bond, pending further court proceedings.

Officials with the Cass and Audubon County Sheriff’s Offices are reporting two separate phone scams that are making the rounds. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the old Social Security phone scam has popped-up again. That’s when a person calls and claims they’re a law enforcement official, and tells you your social security number has been stolen. They then tell you there’s a vehicle in your name in another state that was found that was involved with drugs and there’s blood in the vehicle. Usually the scammer will then press the person to give them personal information. Authorities say this is “Definitely a scam, don’t fall for it! Do not give any personal information!!”

In Audubon County, the COVID-19 Test Kit scam calls are circulating. During those calls, a person tells you their records show you have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. They won’t tell you who you supposedly came into contact with, and that they want to mail you a kit which you must pay for and return within 72 hours. They typically say the kit costs $50. This is a scam. Don’t give out any personal information. Just hang-up.

Audubon County Public Health has verified their office conducts the contact tracing for Audubon County, but they do NOT send out tests, and they do NOT ask for credit card information.

Iowa’s Senior Republican Senator, Charles Grassley, will pay a visit to Atlantic on Thursday, August 20th. The Senator will be in town as part of his 99 county tour. His visit will be from 9:45-until 10:45-a.m., at the Rock Island Depot, outside, between the Depot and Carriage House.

Residents and the business community are encouraged to attend and bring their questions and concerns on any topic; including the current business climate and plans Congress has to address concerns.

Face coverings are highly encouraged when social distancing is not possible

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports 24-year old Devin Brandon Jackson, of Glenwood, was arrested Thursday night on charges that include: Assault causing Injury; Interference with Official Acts, and Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree. Jackson was taken into custody at the Mills County Jail and held on a $3,000 bond.