DES MOINES, Iowa (KMTV) — On Monday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and other officials held a coronavirus briefing.
Reynolds kicked things off by reminding people to sign up for testing at TestIowa.com. She said TestIowa is launching a phone number for people who may have questions regarding their test results and the process of being tested. It will not offer help filling out the forms though. She suggested people reach out to close friends or family members if that sort of assistance is needed. The number will be available on the website and through email correspondence from TestIowa.com.
Reynolds said the state is continuing to identify hotspots and is looking at ramping up testing for long-term care facilities.
In regards to the latest numbers, Reynolds said they will not be released in a daily document shared with news outlets. Instead, the latest numbers will appear on https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/in real time.
When asked about an estimated $400 million of lost revenue and potential budget cuts, Reynolds said they are still looking at the numbers and haven’t planned any cuts yet. She said, while it is important to look out for the health of Iowans, it is also important that the health of the economy is taken into account. Reynolds said loosening restrictions and opening up businesses while maintaining social distancing and capacity limitations, should help.
In regards to an inflammatory syndrome that may be linked to coronavirus in kids, Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Director Dr. Caitlin Pedati said mandatory reporting of the syndrome is required and the state is working closely with healthcare providers in and out of Iowa to monitor it.
When asked about her proclamation which prevents shutting off utilities and carrying out evictions and its expiration, Reynolds said the state is looking at a number of options including grants for property owners and programs to help people find work. She did not say if the orders would be extended.
This is the 11th week since coronavirus was first identified in the state.