Last updated on March 17 at 10:15 a.m. E.D.T.
As of March 16, Iowa is reporting 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in seven counties, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Governor Kim Reynolds announced Sunday (March 15) that she suggests schools close for at least four weeks, according to KCCI Des Moines. A list of school closings can be found here. In accordance with this recommendation, the Iowa House and Senate waived the requirement for state schools to have to reschedule any canceled days from March 16, 2020 to April 12, 2020, according to Local 5.
The legislature has also allocated money to the State Hygienic Lab for additional COVID-19 testing and enabled the Governor to access the Emergency Economic Fund during the next 30 days for needs related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In addition, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie signed a state of emergency on March 15 prohibiting gatherings of 250 people or more in public spaces. Iowa City has closed several public facilities, such as the library and recreation center, until at least April 5 in light of COVID-19 spread, according to the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
Cases by county:
- Johnson: 15
- Allamakee: 2
- Carroll: 1
- Dallas: 1
- Harrison: 1
- Polk: 1
- Pottawattamie: 1
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