Governor Kim Reynolds reports said the State of Iowa has had 508 new COVID-19 positive test results returned from the State Hygienic and other labs over the past 24-hours, for a total of 6,376 Positive cases as of today (Tuesday). 98% of those positive cases were in the 22 counties where restrictions remain in-place. There were also 1,165New Negative COVID-19 test results returned, for a total of 33,447. She said 1,673 Iowans have been tested, for a total of 39,823 (or 1 out of every 79 people per capita). The State Hygienic Lab has a testing capacity of 5,226 persons.

Reynold said 2,169 Iowans have recovered from COVID-19, for a recovery rate of 34%. There have also been nine new deaths resulting from COVID-19. The victims were older or elderly adults. Seven were residents of Long Term Care facilities (LTC’s).

According to IDPH the additional 9 deaths were reported in the following counties:

• Black Hawk County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
• Linn County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)
• Muscatine County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
• Polk County, 3 elderly adults (81+), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Story County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

And, there were seven, LTC facilities with new outbreaks of COVID-19. Those facilities include:

• Granger Nursing & Rehab, in Dallas County.
• Dubuque Specialty Care, in Dubuque County.
• Park Center and Accura Health Care of Newton West, in Jasper County,
• The Iowa Veterans Home in Marshall County.
• Fleur Heights Center for Wellness and Rehab, and University Park Nursing & Rehab, both in Polk County.

After IDPH Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter spoke about specific guidance for restaurant owners that need to be implemented when they open their doors to sit down customers, Friday, Governor Reynolds praised those individuals across the State got creative since the shut-down, in employing their staff, and serving their customers.

“Some,” she said, “even dedicated themselves to serving their community from their kitchens, in truly meaningful ways, like Joel Mahr, owner of the Primrose Restaurant, in Corning.

Mahr explained his restaurant helped out students by provide them with a nutritious meal and snack.

Mahr said he was looking forward to re-opening and making sure all the recommend guidelines are in-place to keep their customers safe and happy.