DES MOINES, Neb. (KMTV) — On the day Iowa began easing restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Kim Reynolds said increased testing was largely the reason for a record number of new COVID-19 cases.
Health officials reported 739 new positive cases Friday, by far the most in a single day and bringing the state total to 7,884. Of the new cases, 516 were from four counties, including two that are dealing with outbreaks at meat processing plants. She also reported there were an additional eight deaths, bringing the state’s total to 170.
Reynolds said a surge of cases is expected over the weekend as a backlog of tests are processed.
#BREAKING #CORONAVIRUS Here are the latest numbers out of Iowa:
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) May 1, 2020
8 new deaths
740 new confirmed cases
170 total deaths
7,885 total positive cases
2,899 are recovering pic.twitter.com/1sRNvnxwkA
Iowa Department of Health says congregants should wear face coverings. People who are vulnerable should not attend. #coronavirus
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) May 1, 2020
IA Gov. Reynolds acknowledged there is a backlog in people getting results from their #coronavirus tests. She says people who were tested this week should get their results this weekend.
— Courtney Johns (@CourtneyJohnsTV) May 1, 2020
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