(Des Moines) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds may release an additional health emergency declaration as early as Thursday, which may address the fate of the current school year.
On March 16, the Governor recommended all schools close until April 13, to impede the spread of coronavirus. The following day, Iowa lawmakers passed legislation to close schools until April 13 without needing to tack on school days at the end of the school year.
The Governor says while they’re focused on protecting Iowans, especially those most vulnerable, to avoid a surge that could overwhelm the state’s hospitals. Governor Reynolds says they’re also discussing a matrix they can use to “dial-up, and dial back.”
Today, The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 52 additional positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 549, with 416 negative tests for a total of 7,304. Currently, there are 1,449 tests available at the State Hygienic Lab. As of Tuesday evening, 118 individuals have recovered.
The Iowa Department of Public Health also reported two additional deaths bringing the total to 9 in the state. The recent fatalities occurred in Polk and Washington counties. One elderly adult (81)+ in Washington County, and an elderly adult (81+) in Polk County.
