(Des Moines) — Shortly after 6:00 p.m. Monday evening, and during the television news segments across Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds gave a live address to the state’s residents calling for additional mitigation efforts to curtail the wide spread of the COVID-19 virus. The new measures take effect as of midnight Monday evening, November 16th. Reynolds is calling for a 50
percent reduction in elective surgeries with Iowa hospitals. She indicated that in late October, Iowa hospitals were caring for approximately 100 COVID-19 patients. That number has since skyrocketed to more than 200 coronavirus patients per day at Iowa hospitals. The governor says masks will be required
for indoor public places. Restaurants and bars are to close at 10 p.m. With the exception of High School and collegiate sports, events, all youth sports activities will now be suspended. For high school sports, only two people per participant will be allowed entrance to the sports activity. Gatherings of people will be limited to 15 people for indoor activities, and 30 people
for outdoor activities. Reynolds says the new measures are necessary because “our healthcare system is being pushed to the brink.” Governor Reynolds says she will not be gathering this year for the Thanksgiving holiday with her family, and she urges Iowans to also consider making a similar sacrifice. Reynolds’ entire address can be heard on the KLEM website.
(photo contributed.)
