DES MOINES, Iowa – Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation Wednesday, easing statewide some public health restrictions put into place during Iowa’s public health emergency.
Reynolds announced this proclamation in a press release; she did not hold a press conference due to a trip to Washington, D.C., to speak with President Donald Trump.
Under her proclamation, restrictions on dental services are lifted if providers implement guidance from the Iowa Dental Board and have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) and a supply chain for PPE that does not rely upon the state’s stockpile.
At 5:00 am on Friday, May 8, 2020, campgrounds, drive-in movie theaters, tanning facilities, and medical spas statewide can open implementing guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH).
In the 77 counties where Reynolds lifted some business closures, her proclamation includes lifting the restrictions on social and fraternal clubs, including golf clubhouses that serve food. Those clubs have to follow the same guidelines given to restaurants – operate at 50 percent capacity, only six at a table, tables spaced at least six feet apart, implement social distancing, and self-service is prohibited.
The order also states that clubs that serve alcohol where food service is incidental to alcohol consumption, such as serving only snack food, those clubs are still ordered closed during the public health emergency.
In the 22 counties still under tighter restrictions (Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama, Washington, and Woodbury counties) Reynolds eased some restrictions.
Starting at 5:00 am on Friday, May 8, 2020, fitness centers (one person at a time by appointment basis only), malls (but dining areas and play areas closed), and other retail establishments can open implementing social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
IDPH also reported on Wednesday 293 additional COVID-19 cases for a total of 10,404 positive cases in 91 counties. An additional 2,309 negative tests were conducted for a total of 52,767 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. One in 50 Iowans have been tested for COVID-19.
IDPH reported an additional 12 deaths, all above the age of 61, for a total of 219 deaths. To date, 3,803 Iowans have recovered for a recovery rate of 37 percent among those who tested positive for COVID-19.
Currently, 414 Iowans are hospitalized statewide, 34 of those are new admissions, 151 are in ICU, and 103 are on ventilators. There are 3799 inpatient beds, 551 ICU beds, and 664 ventilators available statewide.
Read her proclamation below:
