Greene County is among the 77 counties where COVID-19 mitigation will be eased effective May 1, but residents will still face rules and limits to things that were taken for granted just two months ago.
Gov Kim Reynolds on Monday issued a new proclamation continuing the public health emergency declaration until May 27, but loosening social distancing measures in 77 counties.
“The reality is that we can’t stop the virus, that it will remain in our communities until a vaccine is available… We must gradually shift from an aggressive mitigation strategy to focusing on containing and managing virus activity for the long term in a way that allows us to safely and responsibly balance the health of our people and the health of our economy,” she said before announcing which regulations would be relaxed.
In all but 22 counties, restaurants, fitness center, malls, libraries and retail establishments can reopen Friday, but “in a limited fashion with public health measures in place.” The restrictions on religious and spiritual gatherings will also be lifted, but “reasonable public health measures” must be implemented.
Restaurants will be able to serve food and beverages on their premises, but no group of diners seated together can be larger than six. There must be at least 6 feet between each group or individual dining alone, and the number of customers at any one time must be no more than half the normal capacity. That includes outside seating spaces.
Retail businesses my reopen, also limiting the number of customers in the store at any one time to no more than half the maximum legal capacity and with social distancing.
Fitness centers must also limit the number of patrons to no more than half the maximum legal occupancy, and there must be at least 6 feet between each piece of fitness/weight equipment. Group activities or classes must have 10 or fewer people and they must maintain a 6-foot distance from each other.
Libraries may reopen, but again, only half the full capacity of patrons can be at the library at once. “Reasonable measures” must be taken to ensure social distancing of employees and patrons.
Malls can reopen Friday, but common areas like food courts and play areas must remain closed. Restaurants in the food courts may operate on a carry-out basis.
Speedways and race tracks, except for those that hold dog or horse races, can reopen, but no spectators will be allowed.
Unfortunately, Iowans will need to enjoy those “privileges” with shaggy hair, as salons and barbershops will remain closed until at least May 15. Sitting in a dark theatre to hide outgrown hair won’t be an option, nor will hiding out in a casino or bowling alley.
And, Iowans won’t be able to enjoy the spring weather at their favorite playgrounds. All outdoor and indoor playgrounds and children’s play centers are remaining closed.
Bars will stay closed. The governor and the Iowa Department of Public Health distinguish bars from restaurants: a bar is an establishment “where a customer may purchase alcoholic beverages and in which the serving of food is incidental to the consumption of those beverages and is limited to the service of ice, snack foods and the reheating of commercially prepared food.”
Section One of the April 27 proclamation is a firm reminder from the governor that the danger of COVID-19 remains present. “I strongly encourage all vulnerable Iowans, including those with preexisting medical conditions and those older than 65, in all counties of the state to continue to limit their activities outside of their home, including their visits to businesses and other establishments and their participation in gatherings of any size and any purpose,” the proclamation states.
The counties in which mitigation is not loosened as of May 1 are Dallas, Polk, Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama, Washington and Woodbury.
As of April 26 at 10 am, Iowa has had a total of 5,868 positive cases of COVID-19. A total of 38,150 Iowans, one in every 82 Iowans, has been tested.
One new case was reported in Greene County, bringing the total to two. Greene County public health has not released demographic information about the new case.
The death toll is at 127, with nine deaths reported in the 24 hours preceding April 26 at 10 am. The deceased include six adults age 81 or older – one in Bremer County, three in Polk County, one in Poweshiek County and one in Washington County – along with two adults age 61-80 in Black Hawk County and one adult age 61-80 in Dubuque County.
Complete information about the status of COVID-19 in Iowa is available at coronavirus.iowa.gov
