Gov. Reynolds closes public restaurants, bars, rec centers, theaters

Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency to take place at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

The closure will require restaurants to move to drive-through, carryout and delivery only and the closure of bars, recreational facilities and theaters.

'These are unprecedented times and the state of Iowa will do whatever is necessary to address this public health disaster. I have authorized all available state resources, supplies, equipment and materials to combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Gov. Reynolds in a news release. 'The actions taken today are necessary to protect the health and safety of all Iowans and are critical to mitigating the spread of the virus.”

All restaurants and bars must be closed to customers within the premises, all fitness centers, theaters, casinos and mass gathering halls are to be closed as well. Senior living facilities and adult day care facilities are to close as well, according to the release.

The Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce issued a statement on its Facebook page Monday encouraging people to purchase locally. Most restaurants are still offering dine-in and carry out options.

In Washington, Fareway has announced it will only be open to customers 65 and older, those with a serious medical condition and those with underlying medical conditions making them more susceptible to COVID-19 from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. Beginning March 18 and in effect until further notice. The general public will be aloud to enter after 9 a.m., according to a notice on the store's Facebook page.

Hy-Vee has announced it will close all in-store dining areas but take out options will remain.