Home News Monday Afternoon News, May 18th

Monday Afternoon News, May 18th

Reynolds Introduces New COVID-19 Dashboard During Briefing

(Des Moines) — Iowa is beginning its eleventh week of having the COVID-19 virus, and during Monday’s daily briefing, Governor Kim Reynolds announced a new “real-time” version of tracking the virus which will go on-line beginning Tuesday.

Reynolds says the case counts will be updated in real time, and therefore the state will no longer provide the number of daily case counts.

Reynolds says there will be some modifying of the numbers as to when they are reported to the labs.

 

 

State Epidemiologist Confirms Pediatric Multi Symptom Inflammatory Syndrome In Iowa

(Des Moines) — Parents across the nation are deeply concerned about a condition found on children that appears to be a side effect of the COVID-19 virus.  Referred to as Pediatric Multi Symptom Inflammatory Syndrome, or PMIS, is beginning to appear on Iowa children, according to Dr. Caitlin Pedati, with the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Pedati explains how the inflammation seems to be connected to the COVID-19 virus.

The State epidemiologist is ordering all medical personnel to report any cases of the PMIS.

Pedati urged children to keep up the routine of constantly washing hands as a way to help stop the spread of the virus.

 

 

State Of Iowa Has Replenished Its PPE Supply

(Des Moines, IA) — The state of Iowa has replenished its supply of personal protective equipment by spending 45 million dollars. At first, the coronavirus outbreak created shortages. Since then, the state’s executive branch has approved many emergency purchase orders to deal with the shortages. Several reports indicate the state bought gowns and masks from
unusual sources during the frenzied effort to build up supplies. One company involved had previously made political campaign signs.

 

 

Des Moines Assault Victim’s Family Demands Justice

(Des Moines, IA) — A Des Moines assault victim’s family is demanding justice. Quan Jones was walking to his girlfriend’s home over the weekend when three men attacked him, causing serious injuries. The N-Double-A-C-P claims the attack was racially motivated and it wants Des Moines police to investigate it as a hate crime. Daryl Jones says he just wants justice for
his son – regardless of the color of his skin. So far, no arrests have been reported.

 

 

Authorities Investigate Discovery Of Body Along The Mississippi River

(Bellevue, IA) — Authorities in eastern Iowa are investigating the discovery of a body along the Mississippi River. The dead body was found Saturday afternoon in Bellevue. The victim’s age, name, and gender haven’t been released. The Jackson County medical examiner’s office says the body has been sent to Ankeny for further examination. Authorities haven’t said
whether this is an official homicide investigation yet.

 

 

Cedar Rapids City Leaders Want To Help Businesses Hurt By Pandemic

(Cedar Rapids, IA) — Cedar Rapids city leaders are discussing strategies to help business which have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. Different ways to increase customer traffic are on the table. The ideas being discussed include having some of the businesses move clothes racks outside so
customers don’t have to go into the stores to shop. Restaurants and others could expand their patios so customers would be able to maintain proper social distancing.