Gov. Kim Reynolds released a statement this (Wednesday) morning promising Iowans COVID-19 restrictions will not return as another wave of coronavirus regulations begin appearing in response to yet another COVID variant. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is too soon to know if this latest variant poses any more risk than previous variants, and limited regional data shows locations where it is present have not recorded increases in transmission indicators. Reynolds says, “Since news broke of COVID-19 restrictions being re-instated at some colleges and businesses across the U.S., concerned Iowans have been calling my office asking whether the same could happen here. My answer—not on my watch. In Iowa, government respects the people it serves and fights to protect their rights. I rejected the mandates and lockdowns of 2020, and my position has not changed.” The federal COVID-19 public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023.
