IOWA, USA — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds' daily briefing on the coronavirus pandemic Thursday, May 14th, one day before businesses can start to open statewide. Previously, 22 of Iowa's 99 counties were forced to remain closed.
"Everybody has to feel comfortable with how they move forward with this," Reynolds said. "I think you're going to see some ready to move forward and some who are going to take some more time to open their businesses."
On Wednesday, May 13, Governor Reynolds announced businesses like salons, barbershops, massage and tattoo parlors, restaurants, gyms, libraries and race tracks could open at 50% capacity starting on Friday.
Scott County was one of the 22 shuttered counties. So, in Davenport, to help businesses make the most of this limited capacity, the City Council approved a measure allowing restaurants to use sidewalk space for seating.
"It's not going to go away," Reynolds said. "It's here until we find a vaccine, so we have to learn to live with it until a vaccine is finalized or approved through the FDA, and we can do it."
The governor noted that the state hygienic lab completed the testiowa validation process.
Coronavirus tests from the state initiative are 95% accurate at determining positive cases of COVID-19 and 99.7% accurate at determining negative cases, according to the governor.
Reynolds said a testiowa call center will be set up to help Iowans resolve issues.
On the other side of the Mississippi River, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is holding down a stricter order, not yet allowing non-essential businesses to reopen.
"Local law enforcement and the Illinois State Police can and will take action, but there is no consequence the state could impose that is greater than the harm that you will do to your own community," said Gov. Pritzker.
In Iowa, there were 386 new confirmed cases for a total of 13,675 Iowans that have tested positive for the coronavirus. There were also 12 people who have died from COVID-19 for a total of 318 Iowans who have died.
Of all Iowans who have died, the state said 57% were residents of long-term care facilities.
