The Office of the President releases new information regarding masks, vaccinations and how the fall 2021 semester will look.
Update: This story was updated at 2:39 p.m. to include information from the governor’s press conference.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been informed of 34 more positive cases of COVID-19, making a total of 179 positive cases in the state.
To date, there have been 2,975 negative tests, reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.
According to IDPH, the age range and current locations of the 34 individuals are:
One elderly adult (81+ years) in Appanoose CountyOne adult (18-40 years) in Black Hawk CountyOne adult (18-40 years), one older adult (61-80 years) and one elderly (81+ years) in Cedar CountyOne adult (18-40 years) in Clayton CountyOne adult (18-40 years) in Des Moines CountyOne elderly (81+ years) in Jasper CountyOne adult (18-40 years), four middle-aged adults (41-60 years) and one older (61-80 years) in Johnson CountyOne adult (18-40 years), three middle-aged adults (41-60 years) and one older (61-80 years) in Linn CountyOne older adult (61-80 years) in Mahaska CountyOne older adult (61-80 years) in Monona CountyOne middle-aged adult (41-60 years) in Page CountyOne adult (18-40 years), two middle-aged adults (41-60 years) and one older (61-80 years) in Polk CountyOne middle-aged adult (41-60 years) in Pottawattamie CountyOne elderly (81+ years), three middle-aged adults (41-60 years) in Scott CountyOne older (61-80 years) in Sioux CountyTwo older adults (61-80 years) in Washington County
Gov. Kim Reynolds hosted press conference at 2:30 p.m. to give further information on the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor announced existing closures including restaurants and bars would be extended a week until April 7. She also ordered the closure of further retail stores.
“I am also ordering the closure of additional retail stores through April 7,” Renyolds said. “Including bookstores, clothing and shoe stores, jewelry, luggage, cosmetic, perfume and beauty supply stores, florists, furniture and home furnishing stores.”
Reynolds said effective at 5 p.m. March 27 through the duration of her disaster declaration, all non-essential or elective surgeries or procedures that can be delayed without “undue risk to patients” would be suspended.
“All elective dental procedures including routine hygiene, cosmetic or orthodontic procedures are suspended with the exception of emergency procedures,” Reynolds said.
The governor added these actions would help preserve personal protection equipment as well as the state’s health care workforce.