Iowa to allow some restaurants, gyms, stores to reopen Friday

Iowa will begin lifting restrictions on businesses in all but 22 of the state’s counties on Friday, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced Monday.

Reynolds will relax restrictions on certain businesses, including restaurants, gyms and retailers, in 77 of the state’s 99 counties. The most populous, including those surrounding Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, will not be covered by the order.

“I strongly encourage all vulnerable Iowans, including those with preexisting medical conditions and those older than 65, in all counties of the state to continue to limit their activities outside of their home, including their visits to businesses and other establishments and their participation in gatherings of any size and purpose,” Reynolds wrote.

The affected businesses will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity, as will indoor shopping malls with the exception of food courts and play areas, which must remain closed. Reynolds said she will also lift restrictions on in-person church gatherings, but said requirements that social gatherings limit themselves to 10 or fewer people will remain in place.

Restrictions on other facilities and businesses, including salons and some medical clinics, will remain in place through May 15.

Despite the announcement, Iowa lawmakers announced Monday that they will extend the suspension of the legislature through May 15.

“The health and safety of all Iowans continues to be our primary focus as we monitor the situation and make decisions. I know my colleagues are eager to return to the Capitol to address priorities and complete our legislative work as soon as we can,” House Speaker Pat Grassley (R) said in a statement.

“Iowans have been patient and played a critical role in slowing the spread of the Coronavirus during this unprecedented public health emergency,” Grassley added. “We need to get folks back to their jobs, schools, churches, and social lives in a responsible way as soon as possible. I want to thank Governor Reynolds for her cautious approach to reopen our state and return to normal.”