Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Tuesday, said new rules will be in effect due to the spread of COVID-19 and the record numbers of hospitalizations and positive tests. (See the summary below) Reynolds said the trends of record setting hospitalizations cannot continue. There is no specific age group or type of activity that’s driving the rapid increase in positive cases. Because of the high level of community spread, the Governor said she is “dialing-up” measure to mitigate the spread of the virus. That includes signing a new proclamation that continues the Public Health Emergency for another 30-days. The proclamation imposes a number of additional health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

There are new rules that apply to indoor youth or high school sporting events as well.

The new eight-person rule also apply to bars and restaurants. Distancing of six-feet between groups will continue to be enforced, and patrons must be seated to consume food and/or drink.

Bowling alleys, pool and bingo halls, arcades and indoor playgrounds and children’s play centers, are limited to groups of eight, unless from the same household. Reynolds also ordered all employers to re-evaluate whether or not more of their employees can work remotely and/or from home whenever possible. The governor says hospital staffing is becoming a challenge and it may soon impact Iowans who need care, for COVID or otherwise. She urges Iowans to rethink any planned gatherings and how their actions could impact their own lives and the lives of others.