Gov. Kim Reynolds announced during her COVID-19 press conference this morning (Monday) some restrictions in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties will be lifted at the end of the week. Beginning Friday, May 1, restaurants, fitness centers, malls, libraries, race tracks and retail establishments closed by the governor’s emergency proclamations may reopen at 50 percent of their normal operating capacity in the identified counties, which include the seven counties in the coverage area. Limitations on spiritual and religious gatherings are also being lifted. All other existing closures and restrictions have been extended through May 15. According to Reynolds, she is taking measured, data-driven steps to reopen the state’s economy. However, she reminds Iowans it is still important they practice physical distancing to mitigate the spread of the virus. As of April 27, 349 new positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, bringing the state’s total to 5,868. Nine additional coronavirus-related deaths were identified Monday, marking 127 deaths to date. Audubon, Carroll and Greene Counties have confirmed a single case each since the beginning of the pandemic and are considered recovered. Guthrie County stands at six, Shelby at 9 and Crawford at 14. The full proclamation along with more information on COVID-19 in Iowa can be found included below.
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