(Update/Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has signed into law a requirement that Iowa’s K-through-12 schools hold all classes in-person by February 15th.

Fifteen public school districts and a private school are currently offering classes virtually or a hybrid model, with students in classrooms every other day.

Earlier this month, Reynolds called on legislators to pass a bill requiring full-time in-person instruction in Iowa schools. Republican lawmakers approved the bill yesterday (Thursday) and the governor signed it today (Friday).

Schools may continue to offer online classes to students, but it is not required. Holding classes in-person on each school day is. Democrats who voted against the bill say forcing face-to-face instruction for all students will difficult for large schools without space for social distancing. Reynolds says the state has face shields, hand sanitizer and other pandemic essentials on hand, ready to ship to school administrators who ask for supplies.

Reynolds made brief remarks in the statehouse rotunda late this (Friday) morning, then signed the bill into law in front of a small crowd of supporters.