A look back at COVID-19 in Iowa, April 27-May 3: State at more than 9,000 positive cases
Get more information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov/coronavirus, or call 211, the Iowa Department of Public Heath's hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Personnel at health care facilities, schools, the state government and businesses in Iowa are taking a series of measures in response to the novel coronavirus, which causes a disease known as COVID-19.
Here's the latest on what Iowans need to know:
More:The latest on coronavirus in Iowa
Maddie Poppe to perform a live concert to benefit Cedar Valley businesses
May 8: Live the Valley, and Cedar Valley Strong is hosting a free live show with “American Idol” season 16 winner and Clarksville native Maddie Poppe Friday at 7:30 p.m. in support of Cedar Valley businesses.
The show will be live-streamed on Live the Valley’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and on the Cedar Valley Strong Facebook page.
Poppe will interact with fans answering questions and perform some of her new records.
In the Courier article, Poppe said that she is excited about the event and to support local businesses through the #CedarValleyStrong movement.
#CedarValleyStrong is a local movement to support locally owned businesses. Viewers can purchase gift cards from the website and donate to support initiatives and projects. Local businesses will receive giveaways throughout the concert.
IDPH announces 528 new cases of coronavirus, 9 deaths
May 3: Another 9 people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Sunday, bringing the statewide total to 184.
The IDPH also reported that 528 people tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Statewide, 9,169 people have tested positive.
There are currently 378 people hospitalized and 3,325 Iowans have recovered, according to the news release.
The deaths reported Sunday occurred in the following counties:
- Black Hawk County, 2 elderly adults (81+)
- Bremer County. 1 elderly adult (81+)
- Dallas County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Dubuque, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Polk County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
- Poweshiek County, 2 elderly adults (81+)
757 new cases of COVID-19, 5 deaths
May 2: Another 5 people with COVID-19 in Iowa have died, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Health on Saturday, bringing the statewide total to 175.
Additionally, 757 people tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Statewide, 8,641 people have tested positive.
Polk County now has the highest number of cases with 1,350, surpassing Black Hawk County with 1,255; Woodbury has 1,074.
According to IDPH, the additional 5 deaths were reported in the following counties:
- Linn County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
- Polk County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Tama County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Woodbury County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
About 200 workers test positive at Newton plant
May 2: A company that manufactures wind blades in Newton announced Saturday that 20% of its work force there, or roughly 200 people, had tested positive for COVID-19. TPI Composites Inc. said it had completed testing on "nearly all" of its workers in Newton and that about one in five had yielded a positive result. The plant employs a little more than 1,000. The company began the mandatory testing April 25 after recording "a significant number of positives cases." TPI said it halted production at that time in order to clean its facility and provided family members of its workers with surgical masks. TPI also said it offered hotel rooms to workers who tested negative for the coronavirus so that they could isolate.
"Associates who tested positive, as well as others who had primary exposure to associates who tested positive, have been placed on a mandatory quarantine," the company said in a news release. "All associates who tested positive will need to be asymptomatic for 72 hours and have an additional negative serological test prior to returning to work. TPI also plans to retest its entire associate population with serological tests over the coming weeks."
TPI said it is coordinating with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on "a staggered approach to safely re-opening the Newton facility."
Number of COVID-19 cases at Polk County Jail increases by 1; Des Moines police report first staff member case
May 1: Eight inmates have now tested positive for the novel coronavirus at the Polk County Jail, according to a spokesman with the sheriff's office. The first inmate at the jail tested positive April 21. Seven inmates had tested positive as of May 24.
The facility currently holds around 700 inmates. The jail has implemented social distancing measures and currently has enough isolation areas for those who have tested positive.
Two other Iowa jails, Linn and Black Hawk counties, have confirmed cases among people who work there. Two Iowa prisons have observed positive tests by inmates as well.
The Des Moines Police Department and Sioux City Police Department have also announced positive cases among their staffs.
An officer in the Des Moines department's patrol division showed symptoms this week and has since been isolated in accordance with Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines, according to a news release sent Friday.
More:Des Moines police officer becomes department's first COVID-19 case
Help us report this story
The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.
You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.
You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.
Chet Culver, ex-Iowa governor, urges Gov. Kim Reynolds to rethink COVID-19 policies
May 1: Former Iowa Gov. Chet Culver is urging Gov. Kim Reynolds to back off policies that he says will force employees to be in unsafe workplaces that have had coronavirus outbreaks.
Culver says in a letter to Reynolds that workers shouldn't have to risk illness or death or face the loss of their unemployment benefits. He warned that her policy choices “will affect Iowans' quality of life for generations to come.”
Culver, a Democrat who served from 2007-11, said the Republican governor's policies have created an appearance “that the state's most powerful business owners have exerted undue influence.” He cited her push to keep open meatpacking plants that have been sources of community-wide outbreaks.
— Associated Press
Read the full story:Chet Culver urges Gov. Kim Reynolds to rethink COVID-19 policies
Des Moines Symphony postpones Yankee Doodle Pops and Water Works Pops
The Des Moines Symphony announced that it would postpone its annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert as well as its second summer season of Water Works Pops due to the novel coronavirus.
Yankee Doodle Pops was initially scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at the Iowa State Capitol, but was rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 7, in the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park.
The Water Works Pops, which was set for July 24-26, will take place on Sept.5. In 2021, Yankee Doodle Pops will return to the Iowa State Capitol on Friday, July 2.
For more information, visit dmsymphony.org.
Polk County surpasses 1,000 COVID-19 cases; state reports 8 new deaths
Another eight people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Friday, bringing the statewide total to 170.
IDPH also reported that there were 739 new positive cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease cause by the coronavirus. Across the state, 7,884 people have tested positive.
Polk County surpassed 1,000 cases, according to the numbers released Friday. The IDPH says 1,176 people in Polk County have tested positive, up from 985 reported on Thursday. Black Hawk County, with 1,195 positive cases, is the only other county in Iowa with more than a 1,000 confirmed cases.
The eight deaths reported on Friday occurred in the following counties:
- Linn (two middle age adults; county total is 45
- Muscatine (one older adult, one elderly adult; county total is 16
- Polk (two elderly adults; county total is 37
- Bremer (one elderly adult; county total is four)
- Scott (one middle aged adult; county total is seven)
More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.
Bass Pro donates 4,000 face masks in Polk County
Bass Pro Shops in Altoona donated 4,000 face masks to the Polk County Health Department for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis.
Bass Pro and Cabela's has partnered with Convoy of Hope to donate 1 million face masks in markets where the company operates. The masks were distributed to hospitals and medical facilities this week, according to a news release.
"These heroic men and women continue to dedicate their lives to save the loved ones of others, and we are all honored to support them," Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris said.
Blank Park Zoo to start "Scoop the 'Lighted' Zoo Loop" event
April 30: Blank Park Zoo Wednesday announced that the zoo will hold a "Scoop the 'Lighted' Zoo Loop" event April 30 through May 2 and May 7-9 from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
According to a news release from the zoo, staff will set up lighted displays in the parking lot and the public is invited to drive through the lights. The event is free, though the zoo is encouraging donations at blankparkzoo.com.
“We wanted to create an event that allows people to get out of the house, but stay in the car and follow social distancing guidelines,” Anne Shimerdla, president and chief operating officer of the zoo in a statement. “We are following the guidelines of local and state officials.”
Drake University Boys and Girls Club opens as food pantry
April 30: The Gregory and Suzie Glazer Burt Boys and Girls Club on Forest Avenue on the Drake University campus opened Monday as a food pantry in partnership with the Food Bank of Iowa. The club will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those in need of assistance, according to a news release.
“Our number one priority is making sure kids and their families have access to nutritious food,” Jodie Warth, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, said in a statement. “Most of the kids who come to Club rely on us for snacks and their evening meals. We want to know that they are being provided for during this time, and luckily we are able to open up the Burt Club and partner with Food Bank of Iowa to maintain this pantry until we can open Club sites again.”
Other Boys and Girls Club sites are located in Des Moines Schools and remain closed.
After 50 years of ballooning in Indianola, 2020 balloon festival postponed until next year
April 30: The 2020 National Balloon Classic has been postponed because of coronavirus concerns.
The nine-day event had been scheduled for July 24-Aug. 1 but has been postponed until July 30, 2021, according to classic officials. Board members of the nonprofit evaluated the health concerns surrounding an event that draws more than 70,000 people to Indianola and decided to punt on this year's festival.
"We know that long-standing traditions are needed now more than ever, but given the reality of COVID-19, our highest priority is the health and the safety of our guests, participants, staff, volunteers and community," a statement from the classic's board of directors reads. "Even though it cannot be done together in the way we had hoped, this year we still proudly honor 50 years of hot air ballooning in Indianola."
Learn more at NationalBalloonClassic.com/covid19-2020.
► More:COVID-19 grounds Indianola's 2020 National Balloon Classic
First Ironman 70.3 in Des Moines canceled
April 30: Des Moines' inaugural Ironman 70.3 North American Championship, scheduled to take place June 21, will not go on as planned, the organization announced on Facebook. A new date was not announced.
"We are working diligently on all potential options and further event details will be communicated as soon as possible," the statement reads.
The Des Moines metro was one of four finalists to host a full Ironman but was passed over in favor of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Instead, Des Moines was awarded a half Ironman, to be held over the next three years, which consists of athletes competing in a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike race and 13-mile run.
The event was expected to bring between 2,600 and 3,000 athletes from around the world and have a $10 million economic impact on the city.
Second Iowa prison has coronavirus case
April 30: A second Iowa Department of Corrections prison has had an inmate test positive for COVID-19.
The Clarinda Correctional Facility has tested five inmates for the novel coronavirus and one tested positive, according to the DOC. In total, 19 inmates have tested positive and six state employees at the state's prisons have tested positive.
All of the other positive cases have been recorded at the Iowa Medical Classification Center in Coralville. Nearly 250 people have been tested there, making up the bulk of the 286 tests administered by the department.
Three Iowa jails — in Black Hawk, Linn and Polk counties — have reported the virus' presence, as well. Seven Polk County inmates have tested positive, while two employees at the Linn County Jail have tested positive. Two contract workers at the Black Hawk County Jail tested positive this week, as well.
Cord Overton, the DOC's spokesman, said his department has enough protective masks for each inmate and worker they oversee. The department has worked with county jails to provide masks for staff and inmates, too, he said.
"The DOC and the county jails, while separate entities, are very connected parts of the criminal justice system," Overton said. "We want to be helpful to our partners in the jails across the state, and appreciate their understanding and cooperation as we all navigate through this crisis."
14 new deaths, another 302 positive cases reported
April 30: Another 14 people with COVID-19 in Iowa have died, officials reported Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 162.
Additionally, 302 people tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Statewide, 7,145 people have tested positive.
Five of the deaths reported Thursday were in Muscatine County (two old adults and three elderly adults). Three deaths were reported each in Linn County (three older adults) and Polk County (three elderly adults). One death was reported each of the following counties:
- Dubuque (middle aged adult);
- Marshall (middle aged adult);
- Scott (one elderly adult).
More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.
Nearly 29,000 Iowans file for unemployment
April 30: More than 28,800 Iowans filed initial unemployment claims this past week, as the state prepares to partially reopen some businesses Friday.
For the week ending Saturday, the total of new claims stood at 28,827, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which released its latest report Thursday. Since the coronavirus pandemic hit Iowa and businesses were ordered shuttered, unemployment numbers have soared in Iowa.
For the week ending April 18, there were 26,901 claims filed in Iowa. Prior weeks saw:
- 43,889 claims for the week ending April 11;
- 64,194 for the week ending April 4; and
- 55,966 for the week ending March 28.
There were 40,952 claims in the week ending March 21 — a period that included March 17, the day Gov. Kim Reynolds began state-ordered shutdowns and limits on businesses and institutions, directing bars to close and restaurants to shut their dining rooms.
The highest weekly total prior to this stretch was 14,201 in December 2000.
More:Nearly 29,000 Iowans file for unemployment, as state prepares to reopen in 77 counties
Help us report this story
The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.
You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.
You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.
COVID-19 numbers jump in Black Hawk County as state reports another 12 deaths, 467 cases
April 29: A day after President Donald Trump ordered beef, pork and poultry processing plants to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic, Iowa reported 141 new cases in Black Hawk County, home to one of the nation's largest pork processing plants.
On Wednesday, Iowa reported 467 new COVID-19 cases statewide, bringing the total to 6,843.
Additionally, the state reported another 12 deaths, for a statewide total of 148. Four of the deaths were reported in Linn County, while one death was reported each in Black Hawk, Dubuque, Jasper, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Pottawattamie and Washington counties.
Iowa has recorded a large increase in COVID-19 cases in recent days, as officials ramp up testing in areas with suspected outbreaks. On Saturday, the state reported 648 new cases, which is a record for a one-day increase.
In Black Hawk County, the Tyson Foods pork processing plant suspended operations last week. While the Waterloo facility is closed, the company said it would offer COVID-19 testing to all of its 2,800 employees at the plant.
Citing his authority under the Defense Production Act, Trump declared in the executive order that "it is important that processors of beef, pork, and poultry ('meat and poultry') in the food supply chain continue operating and fulfilling orders to ensure a continued supply of protein for Americans."
Critics said the forced openings — some plants have closed because so many employees contracted the coronavirus — threaten the safety of workers who remain vulnerable to the disease.
Trump also told reporters he would seek to shield meat plants from legal liability if they are sued by employees who contract coronavirus while on the job, USA TODAY reported. While Trump only mentioned Tyson Foods specifically, he suggested his plan would protect other businesses from liability as well.
More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.
More:As Iowa eases COVID-19 closures, here’s what’s open and closed across the state
Help us report this story
The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.
You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.
You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.
Kim Reynolds defends reopening process; her church will continue meeting online
April 29: Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday defended her decision to loosen some restrictions on businesses and religious gatherings in Iowa despite a warning from a University of Iowa report that doing so could lead to a second wave of cases.
The state will relax restrictions on businesses like restaurants, fitness centers and malls on Friday in 77 of Iowa's 99 counties, Reynolds announced this week.
On Tuesday, the governor's office released a report it received last week from University of Iowa experts, who warned against easing restrictions early. "Prevention measures should remain in place," the report said. "Without such measures being continued, a second wave of infections is likely."
Calling the UI model "a snapshot in time," Reynolds on Wednesday said the state's increased testing capacity and mitigation efforts have been able to flatten Iowa's curve of infections and prevent overwhelming the state's health care system.
Reynolds said her church will continue to meet online even as she has allowed religious services to resume statewide. She attends Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.
Mike Housholder, senior pastor at the church, wrote in a message to the congregation Wednesday that the church doesn't want to rush back too soon and put anyone at risk.
More:Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowans can go back to church. Hers won't be among those meeting in-person.
Secretary of State asks Iowans to be poll workers
April 29: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is asking younger Iowans to serve as poll workers in the state’s June 2 primary to protect older Iowans who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Pate, a Republican, said in a news release Wednesday that he’s launching a statewide initiative to recruit poll workers, especially younger people, since Iowa’s poll workers are typically older. Poll workers check in voters on Election Day to ensure they have the correct ballot and answer questions.
“This is a call to action for patriotic Iowans. Your state and country need you on June 2,” Pate said in a statement. “We need younger, healthy Iowans to help staff our polling locations to ensure a clean, smooth election process. Also, these are paid positions. You can put a little extra money in your pocket.”
Pate’s office is providing masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, social distancing markers and other materials for precincts to use on site, the release states.
While polling locations will be open in all 99 counties on June 2, some will be consolidated, Pate said in the release. The Secretary of State’s office is encouraging Iowans to vote by mail and has mailed absentee ballot requests to every registered voter in Iowa.
Iowa State University’s fall blueprint includes sports
April 28: Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen’s plan for the 2020 fall semester includes students returning to campus, and student-athletes resuming normal activities.
In a Tuesday letter to faculty and staff, Wintersteen said John Lawrence, Vice President for Extension and Outreach, will lead a 13-person committee for fall planning.
Wintersteen said the committee must present the plan no later than “mid-summer, but must be nimble enough to be continuously adjusted to react to changing COVID-19 circumstances through the fall semester.”
The letter signals Wintersteen’s intention to not only have students back on campus for the fall semester, but also to have football. The first game is Sept. 5 against South Dakota at Jack Trice Stadium.
More:Iowa State President’s fall plan includes students returning to campus, and a fall football season
Iowa revenue drops by 48% as tax deadlines pushed back
April 28: Iowa's tax revenue over the last five weeks declined by nearly half compared to the same time period last year, largely as a result of the state's extension of tax deadlines due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Iowa collected $307 million less in taxes between March 19 and April 24 than it did over the same time period in 2019, for a 48% decline in revenue year over year, according to a report Monday by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency.
The report comes as Iowa is waiting to see how severely COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, will impact its state budget. Gov. Kim Reynolds said Tuesday that her staff will begin working this week on developing a revised budget to submit to the Iowa Legislature.
More:Iowa tax revenue drops by 48% as tax deadlines pushed back over coronavirus
Des Moines' farmers' market to reopen this weekend with a virtual twist
April 28: Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market will start its 2020 season in a virtual form because of the coronavirus pandemic, the event's organizers announced Tuesday.
For the first three weekends in May, the market will partner with DSMTV Live to host an hourlong Facebook livestream at 8 a.m. Saturday mornings. The "Market Meet-Up" will highlight vendors, direct viewers to their online stores and feature cooking demos and live music.
The market "will continue to evaluate next steps for hosting an outdoor market by following local, state and federal public health guidelines," market officials said in a Tuesday news release.
More:First few weeks of Downtown Farmers' Market to connect shoppers, vendors via Facebook livestream
Prairie Meadows lays off over 1,000 employees
April 28: Prairie Meadows will lay off 1,130 employees effective May 3 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Altoona-based casino and racetrack announced.
Only 73 employees will be retained to oversee the maintenance, preservation and management of the property during the shutdown period.
Prairie Meadows has been closed because of the novel coronavirus since March 16. Officials there originally planned to cover employees' pay and benefits through April 16, before extending that time.
Employees laid off include those working in the casino with table games and sports wagering, in betting and working on the racetrack, as well as hotel workers. They'll be eligible to receive benefits through July 31, according to a news release.
More:Prairie Meadows lays off over 1,000 employees due to COVID-19 pandemic
Religious leaders call on Iowans to avoid gatherings
April 28: Leaders from more than a dozen Christian denominations are calling on Iowans to refrain from in-person religious gatherings despite Gov. Kim Reynolds' lifting of some restrictions on religious services.
Reynolds announced Monday that religious institutions can once again host gatherings that were banned since last month because of the coronavirus outbreak, as long as the groups observe social distancing guidelines and increase sanitary cleaning.
The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa on Tuesday issued a statement calling on Iowa congregations and members to stay at home.
Iowa's Catholic bishops, also on Tuesday, said they would not lift the church's suspension on public Masses. The state's four dioceses — Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque and Sioux City — have not held public Masses since mid-March.
On Monday, Iowa United Methodist Church Bishop Laurie Haller encouraged her denomination to refrain from holding in-person services until June 1, despite earlier saying she intended to follow the governor's guidelines around worship.
Experts warn of 'second wave' in Iowa without mitigation efforts
April 28: Researchers at the University of Iowa warned Gov. Kim Reynolds' administration it should keep COVID-19 mitigation efforts in place within the state or "a second wave of infections is likely."
The warning was included in a 12-page report sent last week to the Iowa Department of Public Health from a team of researchers at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. The report said researchers found signs of a slowdown in COVID-19 infection and mortality rates in Iowa, "but not that a peak has been reached."
"There is considerable uncertainty still in how many cases and deaths Iowa could eventually have, with possible projections between 150 and >10,000 total deaths. Therefore, prevention measures should remain in place. Without such measures being continued, a second wave of infections is likely," according to the report.
About a week after receiving the report, Reynolds announced plans to begin reopening parts of Iowa's economy starting this Friday. As she announced plans to allow some businesses and religious institutions to resume operations, she said she favors a targeted mitigation strategy.
"We must learn to live with COVID virus activity without letting it govern our lives," Reynolds said Monday.
Reynolds' office released the University of Iowa report to the Des Moines Register on Tuesday, after multiple requests for the document over several days.
Des Moines to allocate $3 million in coronavirus relief funds
April 28: The Des Moines City Council next Monday will vote to allocate its $3.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds it secured from the federal government.
At its meeting this week, the council decided to direct $1.25 million to a local small business fund: $750,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds — from the Department of Housing and Urban Development — and $500,000 from the city’s coffers.
Through the Greater Des Moines Partnership, businesses can apply for forgivable loans worth up to $10,000. Erin Olson-Douglas, the city’s economic development director, said the city plans to direct its allocated funds to small businesses, between one and 30 people, located in moderate- to low-income areas or that employ low-income workers.
Polk County, Johnston and Urbandale have also put hundreds of thousands into the relief fund. The money Des Moines puts in the fund will eventually be allocated to exclusively Des Moines businesses.
Des Moines also plans to work with an alliance of community advocacy groups, including the Director’s Council, the NAACP, Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit, the Iowa League of United Latin American Citizens and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, to ensure some of the money is dedicated to minority-owned businesses.
“A lot of these businesses need the immediate relief and dollars right now,” said Kameron Middlebrooks, president of the Des Moines NAACP and a program coordinator with ISU extension, specializing in small business development in the African-American community.
Initially, Des Moines had planned to send $1 million in CDBG money to the relief fund, but all seven council members agreed Monday that it would be a better idea to redistribute $250,000 to the emergency food distribution program, giving it $350,000 total in federal funding.
Des Moines will also use $1.1 million in Emergency Solutions Grant funding from HUD, most of it — $964,000 — going to homeless prevention and rapid rehousing. City Manager Scott Sanders said the funding will help house homeless people in hotels, where they can hopefully be protected from the virus
More than 500 new COVID-19; another 9 deaths reported in Iowa
Another nine people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced Tuesday, bringing the statewide total to 136.
Additionally, another 508 people have tested positive, bringing the statewide total to 6,376.
The number of positive cases will continue to grow as Test Iowa sites open and testing of large businesses and nursing home staff continues, according to a news release from Gov. Kim Reynolds' office.
There have been an 1,165 negative tests for a total of 33,447, according to the release.
According to IDPH, the additional deaths were reported in the following counties:
- Black Hawk County, one elderly adult (81+);
- Linn County, two older adults (61-80 years);
- Muscatine County, one elderly adult (81+);
- Polk County, three elderly adults (81+), one older adult (61-80 years); and
- Story County, one elderly adult (81+)
More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.
Blank Park Zoo introduces option for animals to join Zoom meetings
April 28: Blank Park Zoo on Monday announced a new initiative that will allow zoo animals to join Zoom calls.
For $100, people can choose between a sea lion, giraffe, rhino, llama, or Bactrian camel to appear on their Zoom call for 10 minutes, according to a news release.
For $50, an education animal will join the call. Those animals include Squeeze the corn snake, Amborro the macaw or Midnight the rabbit. A zoo educator will also give a full educational program to participants for an additional fee, the release states.
“Video conferencing has become very popular this past month and we have noticed that the animals are missing having visitors at Blank Park Zoo,” Ryan Bickel, zoo spokesperson, said in a statement. “So we thought why not combine the two as a way to raise funds to care for the animals.”
Large animals are available in the afternoons Monday through Friday. The education animals are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the exception of Amborro the macaw, who is only available Thursdays and Fridays.
For more information visit blankparkzoo.com or call 515-974-2560.
Adventureland delays season-opening for second time due to coronavirus concerns
April 28: Adventureland delayed its season-opening date for the second time due to coronavirus concerns.
In a Facebook post, Adventureland said the theme park will now likely open for the season in June, though the park did not set a new opening date.
Adventureland previously pushed its season-opening date back from May 2 to May 16 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All 2020 season pass holders who buy passes before May 1 will be given a prorated rebate for each day missed during the shutdown.
"We continue to monitor the state and national health and safety guidelines in regard to COVID-19" the post said. "Opening Day IS coming — and we are so excited to welcome your families for a fun filled day at Adventureland soon!
Iowa's Ride cancels inaugural cycling event due to coronavirus concerns
April 27: Iowa's Ride has canceled its inaugural event amid concerns of the spread of the novel coronavirus, organizers announced Monday on the event website.
The ride was slated to cross the state the week of July 12-18. Officials have offered registered participants a 75% refund in response to the cancellation. Fees and ticket payments cannot be refunded, according to the statement from Iowa's Ride leadership.
The fact that Iowa schools, which were planned to be used as campgrounds, have been closed for the academic year played a role in the decision, the statement says. Mayors, local law enforcement agencies and hospital officials also recommended the ride should not take place.
"We tried to hold out as long as possible in hopes that the world would begin healing," the statement reads. "We also know the reality that the clock was ticking to lock in many requirements to host the ride including insurance, permits and licenses."
The move comes about a week after the announcement that the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa would be canceled for the first time since its inauguration in 1973.
In October, the team that had been in charge of RAGBRAI quit their jobs over what they said was a disagreement about the Des Moines Register’s news coverage. Led by former ride director TJ Juskiewicz, they announced plans for Iowa's Ride, a similar though smaller cross-state event in July.
DART bus driver tests positive for COVID-19
April 27: A second employee of the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The DART route operator last worked on April 22 and started having symptoms on April 23, according to a news release. The driver will remain in quarantine for 14 days and will continue to receive full pay. The driver was the second DART employee to contract COVID-19. The first was a maintenance worker who tested positive for the disease on April 22.
DART assured public transit users that "all common areas in DART facilities have been sanitized and deep cleaned since this employee last worked," in addition to implementing other extra sanitary measures. DART spokesperson Erin Hockman said the route of the driver diagnosed with COVID-19 was not being shared to protect the employee's privacy.
Starting Monday, DART drivers will complete in-person wellness checks at the start of their work shifts, as well as providing workers with sanitizer, gloves and masks. Fare is suspended during this time, and riders are asked to get on and off the vehicles using the back doors.
Riders are encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing and to only use DART services for essential travel.
Des Moines leaders will discuss options for farmers market reopening
April 27: Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie will meet with Greater Des Moines Partnership and farmers market leaders later this week to discuss potential ways to open the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market, which usually averages about 25,000 visitors each Saturday, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview Monday, Cownie outlined several ideas that could make the market safe during a pandemic: only allow produce vendors to sell; limit shoppers to one person per family; restrict access points to the market; encourage shoppers and vendors to wear masks.
He even wondered if they could hold the market on one of the downtown bridges, where shoppers would only be allowed to move in one direction. Pets and children could be banned, he said.
On Friday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that farmers markets would be allowed to open in the coming weeks, but certain rules applied.
More:Kids and dogs could be banned from Des Moines' Downtown Farmers Market reopening, mayor says
Officials can name companies with coronavirus outbreaks, auditor writes
April 27: Iowa state Auditor Rob Sand issued an advisory Monday clarifying that federal health care privacy laws do not prevent state or local leaders from naming companies experiencing outbreaks of COVID-19.
The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, is designed to prevent the release of information that identifies individuals. It does not prevent the release of aggregate data or information that does not identify individuals, Sand wrote in the advisory.
“HIPAA does not prevent the disclosure of the number of individuals in a long-term care facility or a packing plant who have COVID-19, nor the identity of the business in question,” the advisory says.
Although Iowa law can bar the release of that information, Sand wrote that the state epidemiologist or the Iowa Department of Health can still choose to release it if the information is necessary to protect the public. Knowing where outbreaks are occurring can help Iowans understand if they might have been exposed to the virus, and therefore be considered to benefit public health, he wrote.
The law does not prevent other elected leaders — including mayors, city councilors and legislators — from releasing information about businesses experiencing outbreaks if they see fit.
Iowa lifts some coronavirus business closures starting Friday in 77 counties
April 27: Some businesses in 77 of Iowa's 99 counties can begin operating again, with limited capacity, starting Friday.
The counties that can partially reopen either have no coronavirus activity or have seen a downward trend in positive cases over the past 14 days, said Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday. Statewide, the governor lifted restrictions on spiritual and religious gatherings as long as the church, synagogue or other "host" implements social distancing guidelines and increased sanitary cleaning.
More:"We must learn to live with COVID virus activity without letting it govern our lives"
9 COVID-19 deaths, bringing statewide total to 127
April 27: Another nine people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Monday, bringing the statewide total to 127.
Additionally, the state reported 349 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 5,868. According to a release from the state, there have been an additional 1,668 negative tests for a total of 32,282 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.
According to IDPH, the additional nine deaths were reported in the following counties:
- Black Hawk County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
- Bremer County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
- Dubuque County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
- Polk County, 3 elderly adults (81+)
- Poweshiek County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
- Washington County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.
Suspension of Iowa's legislative session extended through May 15
April 27: The suspension of Iowa's legislative session will extend an additional two weeks, through at least May 15, leadership announced Monday afternoon.
The Iowa Legislature’s session has been suspended since March 17, when lawmakers voted to suspend the session for 30 days as a precaution against the spread of the virus. Earlier this month, lawmakers extended that suspension through April 30.
“The health and safety of all Iowans continues to be our primary focus as we monitor the situation and make decisions,” House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, said in a news release. “I know my colleagues are eager to return to the Capitol to address priorities and complete our legislative work as soon as we can."
The Legislative Council, a group of lawmakers made up of leadership and long-serving members of Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate, will meet over the phone this week to formally vote on the extension.
Under normal circumstances, lawmakers would have been at the Capitol roughly from January through April for a 100-day legislative session.
The announcement came after Gov. Kim Reynolds announced on Monday that some businesses in 77 of Iowa's 99 counties can begin operating again, with limited capacity, starting Friday.
“I appreciate the governor’s leadership through this public health emergency and I fully support her decision to begin to safely reopen the Iowa economy,” Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, said in a news release.
Prior to the original vote to suspend the legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill giving Reynolds additional spending authority to respond to the virus. They also extended the state’s budget at current levels through August.
Iowa’s legislative session is among at least 20 state legislatures that have been postponed because of the coronavirus, according to the National Conference for State Legislatures.
Des Moines landlord waives May rent
April 27: Krause Group Real Estate has waived May rent for 189 residential tenants at its six Des Moines properties to ease the burden during the coronavirus pandemic. It will cost the company $130,000, it announced Monday.
The apartments are:
- Arlington Apartments, 1301 Locust St.
- Hallett Apartments, 1305 Locust St.
- 14Forty, 1440 Locust St.
- Butler Apartments, 1501 Grand Ave.
- White Apartments, 1511 Grand Ave.
- Jefferson Apartments, 1519 Grand Ave.
Krause Group Real Estate has also rolled out rent relief programs, offering up to three months of rent deferral for commercial tenants and one month for residential tenants with interest-free payments. All late fees, penalties and evictions have also been suspended.
The company is a part of Krause Group, the Iowa-based parent company that owns Kum & Go.
Iowa pig producers, local lockers partner to send pork to food banks
April 27: Iowa pig producers are partnering with meat lockers across the state to provide pork to food banks, officials said Monday.
Iowa meat processors are extending their hours to process and package pork donations to help meet the growing demand seen at Iowa food banks and pantries. They're working with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the Iowa Department of Agriculture on the new program, called "Pass the Pork."
Iowa pork producers have seen thousands of pigs back up on farms as Midwest meatpacking plants have slowed or closed as workers have become ill or exposed to COVID-19. Iowa is struggling with about 40% less processing capacity, while about 25% of U.S. meatpacking has been lost.
Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement she hopes the program will "put Iowa pork on the tables of families in need of food security while creating a new destination for pork which might otherwise go to waste."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said late Friday it would help pork and chicken producers find alternative markets for animals — or if necessarily, help farmers depopulate herds.
People can contribute to the Iowa Food Bank Association to help cover the costs to process, store and delivery the pork to local food banks and pantries.
Botanical Garden moves Spring Garden Festival to curbside pickup
April 27: The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden will still hold its 2020 Spring Garden Festival, however, it will be an online plant sale with curbside pickup only.
The sale opens to the public at dmbotanicalgarden.com/shop on April 29. Plant pickup will take place at the garden from May 8 through May 10.
The sale features natives and perennials, small-space plants for gardening indoors and in containers, herbs and vegetables, and ornamentals geared toward front yards and more.
In lieu of family and gardening events throughout the weekend, a collection of free downloadable resources and activities are available at dmbotanicalgarden.com. Virtual tours, demos and more are available via the Botanical Garden’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Wells Fargo has donated about $515,000 in grants to nonprofits
April 27: The Wells Fargo Foundation has made grants totaling $515,000 to 25 Iowa nonprofits in the last few weeks to support the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.
Included among Wells Fargo’s various pandemic-related philanthropic grants made thus far in Iowa are:
- $150,000 to the Institute for Community Alliances, which is providing the first-ever statewide rental assistance to help get individuals out of homeless shelters across the state.
- $225,000 for small business assistance relief efforts. That total includes individual grants of $75,000 to the Iowa Center for Economic Success, $50,000 to Iowa Community Capital and $50,000 to the Director’s Council and Financial Empowerment Center’s Small Business Relief Fund.
- $100,000 to disaster funds managed by community foundations in metro Des Moines, Sioux City, Crawford County, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Waterloo/Cedar Falls and the Quad Cities.
DNR extends closure of state parks, campgrounds and other facilities
April 27: Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced that campgrounds, bathrooms and other facilities at Iowa State Parks will remain closed through at least May 14 because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
State parks and forests remain open now for day-use, but visitors should strictly abide by social distancing rules and not gather in groups, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The closure includes programs and events at state parks, playgrounds, cabins, visitor centers and museums also are closed, as well as youth and group camps through at least May 14.
More than 5,400 positive cases now reported in Iowa
April 25: As of Sunday, the state total of positive COVID-19 cases stands at 5,476 positive cases. Iowa's total number of deaths now stands at 118. On Saturday, Iowa reported its biggest one-day jump in cases, with 648 positive tests.
Gov. Kim Reynolds will hold her daily coronavirus briefing Monday at 11 a.m., and is expected to unveil plans on how to reopen the state.
On Friday, she lifted Iowa’s ban on nonessential surgeries and allowing farmers' markets to open again starting Monday as she prepares to make further announcements about easing restrictions on businesses imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Over the weekend, the first COVID-19 testing site under a new initiative in Iowa debuted Saturday in downtown Des Moines.
Nearly 250 people who received appointments after filling out a questionnaire online were scheduled to be tested for the novel coronavirus. The goal, Reynolds announced last week, is to eventually conduct up to 3,000 such tests each day at a handful of sites located around the state.
More:Iowa launches COVID-19 testing site in Des Moines by appointment only
Coronavirus sweeps through eastern Iowa firefighter's family
April 26: (AP) IOWA CITY, Ia. — His mother first fell sick a month ago with an illness she believes she caught at the Iowa egg factory where she works.
His younger sister, 22, was next — a new mother who was soon on a ventilator fighting for her life. Then the coronavirus came for his father, Jose Gabriel Martinez, 58, who died Tuesday in the same hospital where he lived his final days near his unknowing daughter.
After a month of caring for his virus-stricken family, firefighter Omar Martinez is now planning a funeral for his father, who was a factory worker known for giving his all to provide for his family. He's hoping for the recovery of his sister Evelyn, who is alert after being taken off a ventilator Thursday. He's dreading having to tell her the news about their dad.
Meskwaki Tribe extends shelter-in-place to June 1
April 24: The Meskwaki Tribal Council announced on their Facebook page that the Meskwaki Nation’s Shelter in Place Declaration initially adopted on March 21 will be extended through June 1.
The Tribal Council further agreed to continue honoring all MBCH team member’s base pay rates and health benefits during this period. The only minor change that will occur is that team members will no longer accrue PTO (Paid Time Off) for the duration of the casino’s closure. This change takes effect on April 19, 2020.
More:A look back at COVID-19 in Iowa, April 20-26
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