Reynolds loosens restrictions on remaining 22 counties

Gov. Kim Reynolds lifted some restrictions on the remaining 22 counties, including Washington and Henry counties on Wednesday.

Beginning on Friday, May 15 at 5 a.m. restaurants, fitness centers and retail establishments across the state will be allowed to open at 50% capacity according to Reynolds.

According to the proclamation, salons, barbershops, massage and tattoo establishments are also allowed to open while following social-distancing guidelines. It also permits libraries, race tracks, tanning facilities. campgrounds, drive-in theaters and social and fraternal clubs to reopen. Salons and barbershops may operate on an appointment basis only.

The proclamation states that bars, theaters, casinos, amusements, museums, swimming pools, skating rinks and skate parks and playgrounds are to remain closed.

The proclamation also continues closures and public health measures, which limit social gatherings of more than 10 people until at least May 27.

The remaining 22 counties follow the 77 counties that were able to loosen some restrictions on May 1.

'There's no universal approach that works for every state,” Reynolds said during her Wednesday news conference.

Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter and Reynolds both said Iowans over 65 and Iowans with health vulnerabilities should continue to stay home and leave only for essential errands.

'Iowans have shown they are willing and able to exercise responsibility and do the right thing,” Reynolds said.

The county openings come as Iowa surpassed 13,000 total cases and saw 17 new deaths on Wednesday.

Across the state, 13,289 Iowans in total, have tested positive for COVID-19. 377 of those positive cases were new on Wednesday. In addition, 306 total Iowans have died due to the virus.

Locally, Jefferson County had one new positive case of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the county total up to nine.

Washington and Henry counties saw no new confirmed cases. Washington County's total number is 163. Henry County's is 43.

So far, 85,719 Iowans have been tested for COVID-19. That total number is equal to 1 out of every 37 Iowans being tested.

Since the beginning of COVID-19 coming to Iowa, 5,954 Iowans have been confirmed recovered from the virus. In Washington County, 124 residents have been confirmed as recovered. In Henry County, the number of recovered individuals is 32. In Jefferson County, seven people have been confirmed as recovered.