(Des Moines) Governor Kim Reynolds held a press conference to provide an update to the state of Iowa on current 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) mitigation efforts. The Governor addressed child care, grocery stores, restaurants, and the possibility of waiving missed school days. That press conference can be viewed in its entirety, here.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) also has been notified of one additional positive case of COVID-19 in an Iowa resident, for a total of 23 positive cases. According to IDPH, this individual is a resident of Dallas County.
IDPH has also expanded its testing capabilities at the State Hygienic Lab by adding a second shift. With testing options now expanding, Iowa expects the numbers of positive cases to increase.
A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa provided by IDPH can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431.
IWD announced today’s assistance for workers and employers impacted by layoffs related to COVID-19. The guidance includes information for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims, as well as information on programs available for employers. More information can be found here.
COVID-19 was first linked to an outbreak in Wuhan, China, but cases have subsequently been identified in several countries, including the U.S. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Those most at risk of the virus are older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
