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Iowa to Reopen Several Businesses on Friday
The governor announced that restaurants, salons, barbershops, and gyms in Iowa can reopen on Friday. She announced this, following new restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
According to Gov. Kim Reynolds, she would lift an order closing restaurants in 22 counties. She would also allow fitness centers, salons, and barbershops to open. Tattoo parlors and massage therapists also have permission to reopen in all 99, as reported by Fox Business.
“Our decisions have been based on Iowa data, the expertise of our department of public health and our epidemiologist team, the CDC, national experts, and governors sharing their expertise and best practices,” Reynolds said.
“For Iowans, I think it's in our DNA to plan and manage through emergencies, to coordinate with our community partners, to come together and support each other in times of need,” she added.
The move came as “deaths from the virus in Iowa surged for the second straight day,” Fox Business reported. This number went past 300 since the early stages of the pandemic. “It also came as Reynolds and the state's medical director self-isolated after potentially being exposed to the virus at the White House last week,” the report added.
Optimism
#COVID19 has thrown a wrench into America’s corridors of commerce and manufacturing.
And yet, across Iowa business and industry stepped up to the plate by producing hand sanitizers and making supplies to replenish #PPE for frontline workers. pic.twitter.com/w9JDtl0A3U
— Sen. Grassley Press (@GrassleyPress) May 12, 2020
According to the governor, she had confidence in reopening more of the state’s economy. This is because Iowa has enough hospital beds and ventilators to treat patients. The state’s testing capacity has also increased.
Nonetheless, Sarah Reisetter with the Iowa Department of Public Health said that Iowans should continue to be cautious.
“First, it's important to remember that any Iowan who is over 65, or who is at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 related illness should continue to stay home as much as possible to protect your health,” she said.
“Anyone, regardless of their age, who has been in close contact for more than 30 minutes with a confirmed positive case also needs to continue to self-isolate for 14 days. This is how we will continue to minimize control and contain the spread of the virus,” Reisetter added.
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