Iowa has another confirmed positive case of COVID-19. Governor Kim Reynolds said Monday afternoon a test came back positive on a person in Dallas County, bringing the total in Iowa to 23. It’s not clear if the virus was associated with one of the cruise ships or if it was another case of “Community spread.” The State can only provide information on positive cases in a county of residence, but will no longer be able to provide information regarding any known risk factors or contact information related to those cases, due to changes in the information being presented to the State Hygienic Lab and the Iowa Dept. of Health.

The Governor said also, the legislature is considering legislation to waive the instructional time requirement in Iowa (normally a mandatory 1,080 hours or 180 days), through April 12th. The legislation would also provide Reynolds with the authority to waive the requirement for a longer period of time if it becomes necessary. Once they have finished drafting the legislation, she has indicated she will sign it.

Reynolds said while schools are out, coordinated efforts are being made to provide lunches for students, as well as Child Care Assistance. “We know that closing schools will have a ripple effect on Iowa families, businesses and our work force, and I understand many families are concerned about how to care for their children and continue to go to work,” Reynolds said.

“My staff is working hand-in-hand with the Department of Education (DOE), the Dept. of Human Services (DHS) and the Dept. of Public Health (IDPH), to put policies in place that ensure continued access to child care during this time,” she added. Gov. Reynolds said that would include financial assistance so that child care providers who receive child care assistance are paid on enrollment, rather than attendance, and a way to expedite licensing so “We can quickly ramp-up child care capacity. Many low income families who rely on meal programs in their schools are worried about how to feed their children at home,” Reynolds said.

She said “Iowa has already applied for and received a USDA waiver to allow schools to continue serving meals upon closure. Schools will be able to activate their Summer Meal Program and provide meals in non-group settings, such as drive thru pickup or a “Grab-and-go.” The DOE is currently working with school districts now, on the details, and schools will provide more information to families soon.

She said also, a second shift is being added to the State Hygienic Lab to increase the capacity and speed of COVID-19 test results from 54-to 108 per day. If the situation warrants, Reynolds said they are ready to add a third shift, so that tests can be run “around the clock.” National labs have also begun running tests from Iowa. Those labs are required to report all COVID-19 positive test results to the State Hygienic Lab. Those numbers will be included in the State’s daily update. They will not know the number of Iowa tests pending at the national lab, or the number of negative test results.

Authorities continue to stress people should wash their hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and avoid large crowds. President Trump today said experts have determined people should avoid massing in groups greater than 10. That number has dropped from a high of 250, to 50, and now 10, as authorities look to limit the potential spread of the virus.