A group of sewing professionals in Forest City are making at least 6,000 face masks for a Mason City hospital. The Winnebago Industries employees work in the "Stitchcraft" facility and normally sew curtains, cushions and other items for the inside of the company's motor homes. Chad Reece, … [Read more...]
‘I cannot lock the state down,’ Iowa governor says
Iowa bars and restaurants have been given permission to provide carry-out or delivery of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages as their seating areas have been closed to the public, but that was set to expire at midnight. Shortly after five o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Governor Kim Reynolds issued a … [Read more...]
Cedar Rapids nursing home now has 30 confirmed coronavirus cases
State officials say 30 residents and staff members at a Cedar Rapids nursing home have tested positive for COVID-19. The first COVID-19-related death of a resident at a U.S. nursing home was reported February 29th in Washington state. On March 14th, Governor Kim Reynolds ordered Iowa nursing … [Read more...]
State to send absentee ballot forms to every Iowa voter
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate says the state will mail an absentee ballot request form to every active registered voter in the state -- for voting in the June 2 primary. Pate released a recorded message about the decision. "The June 2nd primary election will go on as scheduled because it's … [Read more...]
Governor says Iowa’s private sector making medical supplies
Governor Kim Reynolds says private businesses and volunteers are stepping up to deal with shortages of medical supplies. "If we know something about Iowans, it's that we are at our best when times are tough," Reynolds said yesterday during her daily news conference. "...Now, even as our resolve … [Read more...]
If there’s another stimulus bill, Ernst says prioritize health care
Senator Joni Ernst is not yet sure a fourth federal stimulus package will be needed, but if one is developed, Ernst says it should include more help for the health care system. "Making sure that we are investing properly in vaccinations," Ernst says, "and making sure that we are also developing … [Read more...]
Medical cannabis businesses in Council Bluffs, Davenport close
Two of the state's five medical cannabis dispensaries have abruptly closed. The "Have a Heart Compassionate Care" dispensaries in Council Bluffs and Davenport are permanently closed. A news release from the Iowa Department of Public Health says state officials were "made aware today" of the … [Read more...]
21 COVID-19 cases linked to Cedar Rapids nursing home outbreak
State officials have confirmed there's an outbreak of COVID-19 at a Cedar Rapids nursing home. Governor Kim Reynolds made the announcement during her daily news conference. "Twenty-one of Linn County's 71 total positive COVID-19 cases are directly related to this outbreak," Reynolds said. "State … [Read more...]
Iowa K-12 schools may grade, give credits for online courses
Some of Iowa's K-12 students may soon be required to participate in online classes during school closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Iowa Department of Education will fast-track requests from school districts and non-public schools for what the agency calls "continuous learning" … [Read more...]
Officials predict first peak in Iowa COVID-19 cases in 2-3 weeks
A person from Linn County with COVID-19 died Saturday night. State public health officials say the person was between the ages of 61 and 80. It's the fourth death in the state connected to the pandemic. A total of 336 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed within the state. Sarah Reisetter of the … [Read more...]