Even as Iowa’s COVID-19 cases and deaths show no sign of slowing, Governor Kim Reynolds continues her march to reopen the state.
The same day she visited the White House on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, Reynolds issued a proclamation that allows any public or private campground to reopen as of May 8, “provided that the campground implements reasonable measures under the circumstances of each campground to ensure social distancing, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.”
The proclamation also allows the resumption of dental services and reopening of drive-in movie theaters, tanning facilities and medical spas throughout the state on May 8. Read the full proclamation.
Reynolds had partially lifted restrictions on businesses in 77 Iowa counties as of May 1.
Related: Majority of Iowa allowed to reopen
Counties where a public health emergency order remains in place through May 15 are: Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Henry, Iowa, Jasper, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Tama, Washington and Woodbury.
Fitness centers in those 22 restricted counties are allowed to reopen as of May 8 on an appointment basis, provided that the facility permits only a single patron at one time.
Also, malls in those 22 counties can reopen as of May 8 at 50 percent capacity, with food courts allowed to sell food on a carry-out basis. Other retail businesses also are allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity in those restricted counties.
Currently, the reopenings expire on May 15.
Iowa is among states with the highest levels of community spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
With 293 new cases as of May 6, Iowa has 10,404 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and with 12 new deaths reported, 219 Iowans have so far died of the coronavirus.
More: Iowa COVID-19 deaths escalate; businesses with outbreaks named
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