DES MOINES, Iowa (KMTV) - There are now 946 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 25 deaths in Iowa.
At press conference on Monday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds continued to urge people to stay at home and announced the implementation of stricter measures to ensure social distancing. She ordered additional businesses to close through April 30.
Reynolds says the spread of the virus is expected to get worse this time next week and asked Iowans to stay home if they don’t absolutely need to leave.
“We're looking at the data every single day and we're analyzing what else, if anything, that we need to do to flatten the curve,” she said. “We are doing everything that we can to protect our healthcare workers and our essential workers on the frontline doing everything they can to take care of us. We need to do our part and take care of them and we do that by limiting our trips from our home.”
Reynolds also said local police would begin enforcing her order to bar gatherings of ten or more people. Violators could be cited for a simple misdemeanor.
The types of businesses impacted include:
- Malls
- Tobacco or vaping stores
- Toy, gaming, music, instrument, movie, or adult entertainment stores
- Social and fraternal clubs, including those at golf courses
- Bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades, and amusement parks
- Museums, libraries, aquariums, and zoos
- Race tracks and speedway.
- Roller or ice skating rinks and skate parks
- Outdoor or indoor playgrounds or children’s play centers
- Campgrounds
In addition, all unsolicited door-to-door sales are prohibited.
Reynolds' full order on Monday can be read here.
The following establishments and behaviors are already prohibited:
- Mass gatherings as outlined in the proclamation below
- Restaurants and bars limited to carry out.
- Fitness centers
- Swimming pools
- Salons: All salons, including all establishments providing the services of cosmetology, electrology, esthetics, nail technology, manicuring, and pedicuring
- Medical spas
- Barbershops
- Tattoo establishments
- Tanning facilities
- Massage therapy establishments
- Theaters: All theaters or other performance venues at which live performances or motion pictures are shown shall continue to be closed.
- Casinos and gaming facilities:
- Other nonessential retail establishments outlined in the proclamation: Bookstores; clothing stores; shoe stores; jewelry stores; luggage stores; cosmetic, beauty, or perfume stores; florists; and furniture and home furnishing stores shall continue to be closed. These establishments may still serve the public through online or telephone sales, delivery, or curb-side pick-up. This closure order does not affect other retail establishments, such as discount stores, grocery stores, or pharmacies that sell these goods in addition to other essential food, medical supplies, and household goods.
- Social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events of more than 10 people are prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers
- Livestock auctions of food animals with more than 25 people and all other auctions with more than 10 people are prohibited.
Senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities: All facilities that conduct adult day services or other senior citizen centers are closed.