By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Des Moines, IA – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced that certain businesses across 77 counties will be allowed to start reopening May 1.
During her press conference on April 27, Gov. Reynolds announced that the state would begin the process of reopening Iowa businesses. The State plans to use a phase in approach to gradually open the economy while also making sure there is not another surge of the virus.
The following businesses and establishments will be allowed to open May 1 on a limited fashion with public health measures in place.
- Restaurants may reopen begin serving dine-in traffic again.
- Fitness Centers, health clubs, health spas, or gyms may reopen.
- Enclosed malls may reopen.
- Libraries may reopen.
- Speedways or race tracks not conducting horse or dog races may reopen without spectators.
- Other retail establishments previously ordered to close are allowed to reopen.
The governor’s newest proclamation also lifts the restrictions on religious and spiritual gatherings as long as churches and other gathering hosts implement reasonable public health measures.
Common restrictions placed on each facility allowed to reopen are as follow:
- Facilities can only operate up to 50% capacity of their normal capacity.
- Restaurants must ensure there are no groups larger than six people dining together.
- Fitness centers must limit group activities to ten or fewer people.
- Social distancing measures must be put in place to make sure patrons are more than six feet apart.
- Hygiene practices and public health measures must be increases within reason and be consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
In addition to reopening some Iowa businesses, Gov. Reynolds also signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration until May 27, 2020. Restrictions that were not loosened will continue until May 15 at 11:50 pm or until Gov. Reynolds lifts the restrictions.
The full proclamations issued by Gov. Reynolds can be found at governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-signs-new-proclamation-continuing-the-state-public-health-emergency-0.