DES MOINES/Radio Iowa – On Friday (Today), Gov. Reynolds signed a new Public Health Disaster proclamation that relaxes existing public health measures effective Sunday, February 7th, 2021 while continuing critical regulatory relief to those on the frontlines of COVID19 recovery for an additional 30 days.

The proclamation lifts the mask mandates she established in mid-November — when the number of Covid patients in Iowa hospitals escalated to levels not previously seen in the pandemic. Gathering limits in bars and restaurants have also been lifted.

Since November 10th, Reynolds had required mask wearing in public indoor spaces and by the crowds at high school sporting events. She required masks in state-owned buildings that house executive branch agencies. The governor had required masks to be worn inside certain businesses, like hair salons and barber shops. People attending funerals, weddings and other gatherings were required to socially distance. All of those requirements end Sunday.

The governor’s updated public health proclamation strongly encourages businesses to take steps to ensure the health of workers and employees. It also encourages Iowans who are over the age of 65 or who have preexisting medical conditions to limit the time they spend outside their homes.

The proclamation is also modified to reflect changes due to the passage of Senate File 160 and extends the waiver on transportation restrictions for overweight loads. The proclamation can found online here.