Iowa governor talks of reopening state as virus cases soar

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Kim Reynolds said Friday she was beginning the long process of reopening Iowa’s economy even as the state reported the number of coronavirus cases surged by more than 500 and 11 more people died.

Reynolds said her first step was to allow elective surgeries in hospitals and to allow farmers markets to open with some restrictions. The governor said she would announce further changes to her restrictions on businesses and public gatherings Monday.

Her moves came as the state reported 521 cases to 4,445 and the number of people killed by the virus increased to a total of 107.

Reynolds noted that 30% of Iowa’s positive cases are in manufacturing, which is mostly meatpacking workers. About 15% are health care workers, and Reynolds put out a call for nurses needed in nursing homes as demand for help has increased at such long-term care centers. Iowa has 13 long-term care facilities with outbreaks.

With expansion of testing, surveillance and improved supplies of equipment for front-line workers, Reynolds said the state can begin to resume activity.

“I really do look forward to sharing with you on Monday the details of what that looks like and again it will be done in a responsible and safe manner but we are at a place to start having that discussion,” she said.