(Johnston) Today limits put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 are eased in counties where the virus activity is low, or none at all. People in these communities if they choose, can shop on Main Street, eat at a restaurant, or attend church on Sunday.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says these first steps are welcome signs that life is getting back to normal, but normal may look a little different for a while.
Reynolds adds, keeping businesses closed for weeks or months longer isn’t sustainable for Iowans, their livelihood, or the economy.
Iowa’s expanded case investigation, and tracing capabilities give the state the tools necessary to identify and isolate positive cases, tract virus activity across the state, and target and deploy targeted strategies to continue to manage it for the long term.
Governor Reynolds says she believes life and business can return to normal if everyone does their part. Data will drive their decisions as it has from the start. She says as virus activity stabilizes and trends downward, they will know when and where they can ease restrictions.
Reynolds urges citizens in areas of eased restrictions to continue to protect themselves and others from the virus. She says COVID-19 spreads quickly and easily among large gatherings, which are why social distancing is critical. Iowans over the age of 65 and anyone with pre-existing health conditions should continue to stay home as much as possible, and take additional precautions when they must go out.
