Hunter
05/07/20
Governor Kim Reynolds issued a revised order Wednesday that will further reopen the state’s businesses and services.
Some of the order pertained to the entire state, while others relax some of the restrictions placed on 22 of the hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Beginning Friday statewide, dentist offices, tanning facilities, medical spas, and drive-in movie theatres can open up. Public and private campgrounds will also open for the first time this season.
In Johnson and Linn counties, part of the 22-county portion of the state that has more restrictions, malls and most retail stores will get to reopen. Food courts in malls will be able to serve to-go items, but there will be no public seating. Fitness centers health clubs, health spas, gyms and aquatic centers can reopen, but may allow a single person in at one time on an appointment-only basis.
All newly-opened businesses and facilities must adhere to social distancing and other procedures to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
Bars, restaurants, salons, barbershops, swimming pools, museums, libraries, casinos and race tracks are among the business services that will remain closed in those 22 counties until at least May 15th.
The governor said Wednesday that data available to the state public health department and the increase in number of tests gives her the confidence to take action to reopen more parts of the state.
The Iowa Department of Public Health reported that the state now has 414 hospitalizations, a record-high. The 19 deaths reported Tuesday were also a record high since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The order goes into effect at 5am tomorrow.
