DES MOINES, Iowa (KMTV) — Gov. Kim Reynolds said bars in six counties will be closing after the state reported its largest case increase since the start of the pandemic.
Nearly 1,500 cases were reported in Iowa and 18 additional deaths as well. During the past few weeks, Reynolds said there has been a surge among the ages of 19-24 years.
After making the announcement, the governor said a new disaster proclamation will go into effect Thursday at 5 p.m. which will close down bars in those areas. The proclamation will last through September 15. They may continue to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption off premises.
The counties where bars will be closing are:
- Blackhawk
- Johnson
- Lynn
- Polk
- Story
- Dallas
Restaurants that serve alcohol in the counties will also be barred from selling booze past 10 p.m.
The proclamation also includes guidance that encourages people to continue socially distancing, wearing masks in public and the usual spread prevention guidelines.
When asked why a mask mandate was not being considered across the state, Reynolds said the attorney general said it would not be enforceable and therefore, she would not enact one and will instead encourage educating people.
Reynolds also talked about information and assistance programs available to people who were impacted by the recent derecho that tore through the state with winds reported at 112 miles per hour. A new website has been launched with that information at: https://disasterrecovery.iowa.gov/.
You can read a full copy of the proclamation below.
Watch the press conference below or on our Facebook page.
3 News Now Anchor Courtney Johns provided live updates via Twitter:
#coronavirus
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
IA is reporting its largest case increase with nearly 1,500 new cases and 18 new deaths . Here's a look at the latest data:
18 new deaths
1,080 total deaths
1,477 new cases
59,496 total cases
45,378 recovered
20.8 % positivity rate
12% 14-day average positivity rate pic.twitter.com/St2vCXqAkx
#coronavirus
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
Gov. Reynolds says originally positive antigen tests were not included in the positive coronavirus testing. She says they will not include it, meaning we will see some changes in the data.
Positivity rates will see changes, but most will be minimal. https://t.co/lATeTiKj01
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
The state will see a change in rates overall by around .1 to .2 percent. https://t.co/5lMXZ9KXaK
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
#coronavirus
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
IA Gov. Reynolds says the rate of young adults testing positive is starting become a "workforce issue."
#BREAKING
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
IA gov Reynolds is closing all bars,
Black Hawk, Dallas, Lynn, Polk and Story County. #coronavirus
Restaurants that serve alcohol may stay open, but can no longer serve alcohol after 10 p.m. https://t.co/3qm0sdUo05
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
She says this will go into effect tonight at 5 and end September 20th. https://t.co/3qm0sdUo05
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
Gov. Reynolds is not issuing a mask mandate, but encourages anyone over the age of 2 to wear one. #coronavirus
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
Johnson is also included in this. https://t.co/3qm0sdUo05
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
Gov. Reynolds says there will be enforcement through local police departments. https://t.co/3qm0sdUo05
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020
IA Gov. Reynolds says issuing a mask mandate is not enforceable. #coronavirus
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) August 27, 2020