Reynolds to allow 77 counties to begin reopening

As Iowa approaches 6,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced more details on her plan to reopen the state during her Monday news conference.

Reynolds said 77 out of Iowa's 99 counties will be able to reopen restaurants, fitness centers and some retail stores at 50% capacity on May 1. Jefferson County, which had six confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday is included on the list of 77 counties.

'We must learn to live with COVID virus activity without letting it govern our lives,” Reynolds said during Monday's news conference.

The counties able to reduce restrictions have been idenitifed as having no COVID-19 activity or have had a low amount of cases Reynolds said.

According to the proclamation from Reynolds on Monday, restaurants in the 77 counties may reopen, but must limit its customers to 50% of its capacity and keep groups seated together to six people or less and adhere to social distancing rules, keeping at least six feet between groups of people. Self-service of food or beverages are prohibited according to the proclamation, including buffets or salad bars.

Fitness centers must also limit the number of gymgoers to 50% its capacity according to the proclamation. It also states that all equipment have to be spaced at least six feet apart or other appropriate measures have to be taken to ensure closely spaced equipment is not used. Group activities such as classes must be limited to ten or fewer people and all people participating must be at least six feet apart as well the proclamation reads.

Malls in those counties are also able to operate at 50% capacity, but must keep play areas and other common areas including food courts closed according to the proclamation. Restaurants in food courts may operate on a carryout basis.

The proclamation also states that libraries may reopen as long as the number of patrons present is limited to 50% of capacity as well.

Spiritual gatherings are allowed to continue in the 77 counties as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines Reynolds said.

All other businesses are to remain closed through May 15 Reynolds said.

Bars, theaters, casinos, social and fraternal clubs, senior citizen centers, amusements such as bowling alleys and amusement parks, museums, aquariums and zoos, skating rinks and skate parks, playgrounds, campgrounds, swimming pools, salons and barbershops, medical spas, tattoo establishments, tanning facilities, massage therapy establishments are to remain closed in all 99 Iowa counties until at least May 15.

The new details come after Reynolds lifted Iowa's ban on non-essential surgeries and allowed farmers markets to open again during her news conference on Friday. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources also said on Friday that campgrounds and other facilities at state parks would remain closed through May 14 for now.

Washington and Henry Counties are not able to loosen restrictions along with Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama and Woodbury Counties.

There were 349 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state on Monday, bringing the state total to 5,868 cases.

Additionally, there were nine new deaths due to COVID-19 on Monday, including one in Washington County. Reynolds said eight of the individuals who died at confirmed underlying health conditions. 127 Iowans have died due to COVID-19 as of Monday.

Locally, Washington County saw four new cases and the aforementioned one death on Monday, bringing its total number of cases to 136. Henry County had one new case bringing the county total to 32. Jefferson County saw no new cases on Monday.