In just over two months, more than 15,000 Iowans have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. With a new coronavirus “dashboard” that shows aggregate test results in real time and the state discontinuing daily updates on case numbers, Iowans will no longer find straightforward daily statistics on the pandemic, […]
Two children being treated in Eastern Io...
UPDATED with comments from the hospital treating the two patients. By Cindy Hadish Two children in Eastern Iowa suspected of having multisystem inflammatory syndrome related to the novel coronavirus are in stable condition, state epidemiologist Dr. Caitlin Pedati said. During Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ press conference on Monday, May 18, Pedati said the Iowa Department […]
Cedar Rapids to resume free bus service;...
The city of Cedar Rapids announced that bus service will resume as of May 18, 2020, but due to health concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, municipal pools will stay closed for the summer. Fares will not be collected on the buses and passengers will be required to wear face coverings. At the same time, city […]
Iowa governor allows most business restr...
Even as Iowa surpasses 300 deaths due to the coronavirus, Governor Kim Reynolds announced that restrictions on many businesses in the remaining 22 counties under a public health emergency order will be allowed to expire as of May 15. “Many Iowans look forward to getting back to normal,” Reynolds said at her May 13 press […]
Governor Reynolds delays decision on reo...
Amidst the backdrop of another high death toll reported Tuesday, May 12, 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds announced she had delayed her decision on “reopening” businesses in Iowa. Reynolds had said Monday that her decision would be announced today, as many of the state’s mitigation measures expire this Friday, May 15, but said during today’s press […]
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on modified quara...
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds opened her May 11 press conference by noting she will be on a “modified quarantine plan” after a staff member of Vice President Mike Pence tested positive for COVID-19. Reynolds was at the White House on Wednesday, May 6, and met with Pence in Iowa on Friday, May 8, along with […]
Cruisin’ the Avenue: Part Deux
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — An estimated 5,000 vehicles took to First Avenue last week to “cruise the Avenue,” and while some of the same car aficionados and nostalgia-seekers came out again Saturday, May 9, the cruisin’ was more subdued. More: Photos from the May 2 Cruisin’ the Avenue Whether it was the time change in […]
Fastest increases in COVID-19 mostly in ...
State Senator Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids) was among early voices to call for strong efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in Iowa. Hogg has since been closely following the number of confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Just two days ago, Iowa saw an escalation […]
Gov. Reynolds opens all Iowa campgrounds...
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 […]
Iowa farmers markets are opening; here’s
Large-scale farmers markets face different challenges to abide by state-issued coronavirus-related requirements than do smaller markets. Those sizable markets, including Iowa City and Downtown Cedar Rapids, have major changes in store to comply with social distancing and other recommendations issued in response to the pandemic. New Iowa farmers market guidelines include: — Markets may only […]