Reynolds extends COVID-19 proclamation, again imposing no mask mandate

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new proclamation Friday extending her Public Health Disaster Emergency declaration and keeping bars closed in two counties for another 30 days.

As with past proclamations, Reynolds is not imposing a mandate for face masks to be worn in public, despite a recent White House recommendation that she do so to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

One effect of the extension is that bars, taverns, wineries, breweries, distilleries and night clubs in Johnson and Story counties — home to two state universities — will continue to remain closed at least until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 27. They can continue to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. Restaurants in the two counties are permitted to remain open, but must stop selling and serving alcoholic beverages after 10 p.m.

The proclamation extends other public health mitigation measures currently in place for other Iowa businesses until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 18.

This 30-day extension includes the requirements for open bars and restaurants to ensure six feet of physical distance between each group or individual dining or drinking; to ensure all patrons have a seat at a table or bar and consume alcohol or food while seated; and to limit congregating together closer than six feet. Requirements for social distancing, hygiene, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission also remain in place for gyms, casinos, salons, theaters, and other establishments.

The governor’s proclamation also provides additional regulatory relief to school districts and extends many of the previously issued regulatory relief measures that the governor’s office says is a necessary step in respond to the pandemic. The regulatory relief includes the suspension of more than 100 laws or regulations related to businesses, health care providers, professional licensure and the educational workforce.

The White House said earlier this week that Iowa remains in the “red zone” for COVID-19 cases, indicating more than 100 new cases per 100,000 residents — the third highest rate in the country. Iowa had 151 new cases per 100,000 residents last week, compared to a national average of 74 new cases per 100,000 residents. The White House noted that “COVID-19 is being brought into (Iowa) nursing homes through community transmission.”

The governor’s full proclamation is published online in its entirety.