Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, today (Friday) updated the State’s status on COVID-19. She said the DPH reported 374 new positive cases of COVID-19. Including the latest report, the statewide total of positive cases amounts to 14,049.  To date 93,556 Iowans have tested for COVID-19 [1 in 34 per capita), and 50%, or 6,561 have recovered. There have been 3,888 Negative test results for COVID-19.)

IDPH also reported 18 deaths, for a total of 336 deaths. 16 of the 18 deaths were among residents of LTC’s (Long-Term Care facilities). There are COVID-19 outbreaks in 35 of Iowa’s long-term care facilities. The number remains unchanged from Thursday. There are currently 387 Iowans hospitalized with the virus, with 130 listed in intensive care and 87 on ventilators. There were 23 patients admitted in the last 24 hours. IDPH reported 3,470 inpatient beds available, with 407 ICU beds available. There are currently 713 ventilators available.

Hospitalization numbers have continued to flatten or decrease over the last week. Governor Reynolds said also, that this weekend “Is the first time we won’t be delivering PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to counties across the State.”

The Governor said Iowan’s continue to made changes significant to their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Class of 2020. Many activities, including graduation, sports and other programs, were cancelled or postponed. She said many school districts have had to get creative to make this time of year special, including graduation. A special guest recorded a message for the Class of 2020. The Governor introduced Ringgold County native, and retired NASA Astronaut Peggy Whitson, who broke several NASA records over a span of a decade and offered her advice to the graduating class.

Reynolds closed the press conference with her own advice for Seniors.

(She said she hopes this experience has taught them what matters most in life: “your health, your spirit, and the people you love.”)