Governor Reynolds To Direct $25 Million To Iowa Hospitals To Help With Staffing Issues Due To COVID-19 Virus Outbreaks
(Des Moines) — Holding her first news conference since early October, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the issue of Iowa’s rising COVID-19 numbers, including the increase in hospitalizations. For the last few weeks, the number of patients in Iowa’s hospitals being treated for COVID-19 has set daily records.
Reynolds issued a challenge to all Iowans to do what is needed, including wearing a face mask, observing social distancing for the next three weeks and remain in small groups of people
in order to turn the tide on the coronavirus positive cases.
Reynolds announced that $25 million dollars will be directed to Iowa hospitals to address staffing issues.
The Iowa governor says she has spoken with hospital officials from across the state, and although at present time, many hospitals are reporting they are able to effectively handle the increase of COVID-19 patients, they say they will not be able to continue to handle the added work load and increase number of patients if the trend continues for an extended period of time.
Both the chief medical officers from MercyOne-Des Moines and Unity Point Healthcare appeared with Governor Reynolds during her news confernce. Dr. Hijinio Carreon of MercyOne says many hospitals are scrambling and struggling to keep ahead of the spread of the virus.
Governor Reynolds says when she was traveling throughout the state of Iowa during the election campaign, she heard two comments from Iowans…”Please help keep our students in school, and please help keep my business open.”
Le Mars To Hold “Hometown Christmas” Following Thanksgiving
(Le Mars) — Le Mars will begin a new holiday tradition this year. Known as the “Hometown Christmas in Le Mars” it will feature dashing store displays and festive activities. The event will be held the weekend following Thanksgiving. Leslie Bartholomew offers an explanation as to what can be expected.
Le Mars will be like New York and Kansas City and other major cities with a large Christmas tree. Bartholomew says a large tree will be at the Olson Cultural Event Center with the lighting ceremony to start at 6:30 p.m.
Bartholomew explains people will also have the opportunity to enjoy an old fashion drive-in holiday movie at Total Motors.
Bartholomew says there will be several local dance teams that will perform during the kickoff to the Hometown Christmas event.
