Governor lifts restrictions in 77 counties, including Emmet and all regional counties except Woodbury.
Iowa reports 349 new cases for total of 5,868. Over 1,600 negative tests for total nearing 40,000. Over 2,000 Iowans have recovered. Emmet is one of 15 counties with zero cases. Nine additional deaths were reported for a total of 127 Iowans who have lost their lives to COVID-19.
Here are the businesses that can reopen, while still practicing social distancing and hygiene, as of May 1, all at 50% capacity:
Restaurants (this does NOT include bars)
Fitness centers
Libraries
Retail stores
Enclosed malls, with no food courts or play centers,
Motor race tracks, but not for audiences; and
Social, community, recreational, and leisure/athletic facilities still limiting to 10 people.
Churches can resume activities for gatherings of over 10 with the use of sanitizer and social distancing of six feet when feasible. Weddings and funerals are still limited to gatherings of 10 or fewer, however.
Still closed: bars, theaters, casinos and gambling establishments, social clubs, including VFW/American Legions aside from take-out meals, Senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades, and amusement parks, museums, aquariums, and zoos, indoor or outdoor roller or ice skating rinks and skate parks, outdoor or indoor playgrounds or children’s play centers, swimming pools and spas, wading pools, water slides, wave pools, spray pads, and bath houses, salons, barbers, spas, tattoo establishments, massage, door-to-door sales.
The governor said her team is continuing to evaluate other establishments for a possible opening day of May 15. Governor Reynolds urged Iowans to continue using caution and exercising personal responsibility.
All vulnerable individuals with pre-existing conditions and those over 65 are still encouraged to limit their activities outside their homes. This also does not change the recommendation for everyone to continue social distancing, wash hands or use sanitizer, limit gatherings to 10 or fewer, and use a face covering when out.