Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer thinks Governor Reynolds isn't going far enough in restricting the movement of Iowans to address the coronavirus outbreak. The Democrat from Dubuque has sent a letter to the governor, asking her to issue a statewide stay at home order. "Honestly we are past the point … [Read more...]
Reynolds responds to critics who say COVID threat overblown
Iowa's governor grew emotional today when addressing claims that the threat of COVID-19 is being overblown. Governor Kim Reynolds told reporters she's well aware of those claims. "Iowans are scared and they're nervous and I appreciate that, but we're going to get through it and if you keep doing … [Read more...]
State officials, hospitals review ‘surge capacity’ in prep for COVID-19 patients
A few other states have announced hotels and convention centers are being converted into triage centers to deal with COVID-19 patients and a top public health administrator in Iowa says discussions are underway here to determine how to manage patient flow. "We are currently working within each of … [Read more...]
State officials tout federal help for self-employed
The state grant program unveiled this week for many small businesses is not available to Iowans who work alone, as the only employee in their business. Iowa Workforce Development Authority director Beth Townsend says new federal benefits will be available. "The stimulus bill would provide … [Read more...]
Governor says mayors cannot issue ‘stay home’ orders
Governor Kim Reynolds says it appears city and county officials in Iowa do not have the authority to issue local "shelter in place" orders. Linn County officials have been discussing the move and Iowa City's mayor has asked the governor to issue either a statewide or regional "stay home" order. … [Read more...]
Finkenauer and King expect massive relief bill to pass House
Iowa Congressman Steve King, a Republican from Kiron, says he is not sure yet if the U.S. House will vote via telephone on the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill that has passed the Senate. He says they have been discussing the issue frequently. King says they've been having as many as two … [Read more...]
Estherville pool project tabled, partly due to economic hit of COVID-19
The Estherville City Council has put plans for a new municipal swimming pool on hold. Bids for the project came in about $700,000 over budget -- and City Council member Roy Gage says the potential economic impact of COVID-19 is unknown. "You know, we'd like to see in six months we're driving … [Read more...]
Iowa Senators vote in favor of mega emergency relief package
The largest emergency aid package in U.S. history, worth two-point-two trillion dollars, unanimously passed the U.S. Senate last night. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says the Senate "stepped up in this time of crisis and delivered critical relief." The package is dubbed the CARES Act, for Coronavirus … [Read more...]
State officials release data on ventilators, hospital capacity
State officials say there 280 ventilators available for use in the state right now. Critically ill COVID-19 patients will experience respiratory failure and need ventilators to breathe. Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management director Joyce Flinn says the state hopes to get … [Read more...]
Task force examines online learning amid Iowa school closures
Governor Kim Reynolds says she is not yet ready to recommend Iowa's K-12 school closures be extended due to coronavirus concerns. "Initially, we recommended schools closing for four weeks (and) said we would reassess it, too," Reynolds said this afternoon, "so we continue to, every day, evaluate … [Read more...]