(Des Moines)– Governor Kim Reynolds today (Thurs.) addressed the big increase in virus activity at a press conference, saying the largest increase continues in the 18 to 40 age range and even more so among those ages 19 to 24…
“And really the data is compelling. When you look at the last two weeks, 23 percent of all new positive cases statewide were among young adults ages 19-24. And that number is dramatically higher in several counties among the 19 to 24 year olds over the last 14 days.”
The Governor says her main concern is over the likelihood of the cases spreading to other sectors, including those who are more vulnerable…
“And so while we still know that this population is less likely to be severely impacted by COVID-19, it is increasing the virus activity in the community and it’s spill over to other segments of the population. So we are at a point where it is starting to become a workforce issue as well. While we aren’t seeing the impact reflected in hospitalization numbers, it is, we’re concerned it will start to impact the staffing in our healthcare systems and potentially our schools. Workforce issues also pose a potential threat to our long term care facilities and other places that we have worked so hard to adjust to operating in the COVID-19 world.”
In response, the Governor announced she has signed a new public health emergency proclamation closing bars in six counties that have the highest increase in cases among the 19 to 24 age group. It includes Black Hawk, Dallas, Johnson, Lynn, Polk and Story counties.
The Governor called on law enforcement agencies statewide to assist in enforcing the measures, including one in effect statewide in a proclamation she signed last week. It includes a requirement that Iowans hosting social gatherings of more than 10 people must ensure that those attending maintain six feet of social distancing.
