COVID-19 Numbers Continue To Rise
(Des Moines) — Despite Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Public Health Department officials assurances that they are seeing a flattening of the curve of those infected with COVID-19, the numbers continue to rise in Iowa.
During the daily briefing held Friday, Governor Reynolds says there were 118 new cases, bringing Iowa’s total to 1,388 positive confirmed cases of coronavirus. Two new counties have reported their first cases of COVID-19 virus. They are Osceola county located in northwest Iowa, and Union County situated in the southwest corner of the state. This now brings 81 of the 99
counties with at least one case of COVID-19 coronavirus. Reynolds reported 119 people are hospitalized with the coronavirus, while 506 have recovered for a 36 percent recovery rate. The governor stated there are now 862 additional negative tests from Thursday bringing the state’s total of negative cases to 14,565. She says the state hygienic lab has 1,974 tests
available. Two more deaths were reported, both in Linn County, bringing the state’s total to 31. The two additional deaths were an elderly adult above the age of 81, and one older adult between the ages of 61 and 80.
Reynolds Reports On Food Availability At Food Banks
(Des Moines) — Governor Reynolds offered a report about the availability of food at various food banks within the state. Reynolds says more than 354,000 Iowa families are facing uncertainty with food security. She says although additional food donations are needed, Iowa’s food banks stand ready to assist
any individual or family needing food.
The governor says the state’s food banks saw a tremendous increase in demand last month, and she anticipates the demand will grow.
Reynolds says she has ordered a task force committee to be led by Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Greg to help identify food shortages and infrastructure and distribution problems.
Reynolds says for people needing food, she suggests they turn to area food banks, food pantries, and churches, but she also suggested a website.
Governor Reynolds says many of Iowa’s commodity organizations, along with food processing companies, are stepping up to make critical food donations to
various food banks and other charitable organizations.
Reynolds asked people to donate food to their local food bank, as well as to consider volunteering time at a food bank.
Iowa Public Health Department Says Hospitals May See A Shortage Of Personal Protective Equipment
(Des Moines) — The state medical director has issued an order that provides new LEGAL immunity for hospitals and other facilities in Iowa’s health care system that make a good faith effort to get face masks and other protective equipment. The order also recommends that hospitals decrease the length of
stay for COVID-19 patients once their condition is stable. Iowa Department of Public Health deputy director Sarah Reisetter says the order includes the new federal guidance that face masks may be used if their “use by” date has expired
The order notes new recommendations about washing and reusing N-95 face masks used in health care settings.
According to Reisetter, the order is focused on extending the use of personal protective equipment when demand exceeds supply.
Governor Reynolds says inmates in Iowa’s prisons are making a thousand protective gowns a day for health care workers. Reynolds also told reporters late Friday morning there are NO known cases of COVID-19 in Iowa prisons or jails. The latest figures from the state indicate COVID-19 cases have been
confirmed in 81 of Iowa’s 99 counties.
Congressman King Asks USDA To Help Biofuels Industry
Washington DC- Congressman Steve King, a member of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, announces that he has signed a bi-partisan letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting that the USDA use “funds from the CARES Act to provide direct relief to the biofuels industry.” The letter notes that state issued “stay-at-home” orders are hurting ethanol production because markets are being further weakened by reduced demand caused by the inability of consumers to travel.
“A strong biofuels industry is important to both our nation’s physical health and our rural economic health, especially for our grains producers, and we cannot allow it to become another victim to the COVID-19 virus,” said King. “In fact, we are extremely fortunate that biofuels producers have been among the most responsive to our nation’s immediate needs. Many plants are working overtime to produce hand-sanitizer for our hospitals and our first responders, and we must be willing to support them through this challenging time while their fuel markets are being artificially depressed by ‘stay-at-home’ orders.”
