Reynolds suspends non-essential medical procedures and closes more businesses to stem COVID-19 outbreak

COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Iowa as the state takes incrementally increasing steps to slow the spread of the pandemic.

As of Sunday, March 29, there have been 336 positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the state, more than tripling from the 90 cases from the week prior. Of these cases, 51 people have been hospitalized.

Four Iowan deaths have been attributed to the virus as of Sunday, the first being a Dubuque senior on Tuesday, March 24. Three more deaths were recorded throughout the week, all from people above the age of 60.

Several categories of non-essential businesses have been ordered closed to limit potential opportunities for the virus to spread, however this has left many small businesses in a financially perilous position.

On Monday, March 23, Governor Kim Reynolds announced some additional policy changes to help ease the financial burden that the virus is having on small businesses. To help businesses that may be facing a liquidity problem, the state will be offering an extension of the due date for unemployment tax payments for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Instead of being due on April 31, the payments will be due on July 31. The payments will still be due in their full amount, but there will be no interest or penalties.

In addition, the state is offering short term financial aid with grants ranging between $5,000 and $25,000 for businesses with 2-25 employees to help keep them going until federal assistance arrives.

"I fully understand that this doesn't make up for having your businesses closed for a period of time, or your customers staying home, but it is our hope that we can help businesses weather the storm."

On Thursday, March 26, Reynolds issued another emergency proclamation, ordering the shutdown of additional non-essential businesses in the state and prohibiting unnecessary medical procedures in an attempt to conserve the state's supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Non-essential and elective surgeries are not strictly defined by the proclamation, but are generalized as procedures that can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of the patient. Each hospital is expected to establish their own internal policies to make those determinations.

Dentists likewise are being ordered to suspend elective procedures, including routine cleanings, cosmetic procedures, and orthodontic procedures other than those necessary to relieve pain or restore normal functions.

Managing PPE resources has even invoked a response from the Iowa National Guard. On Friday, March 27, roughly 75 soldiers from the 734th Regional Support Group were activated to assist the COVID-19 response effort, bringing the total number of activated troops to more than 120. These soldiers will be providing logistical and transportation assistance, delivering personal protective equipment across the state.

The proclamation also suspends several regulations surrounding the certification and hiring of medical staff, cutting down the administrative barriers at a time when health providers are struggling to keep their facilities staffed.

But while some regulations are being relaxed, others are being tightened. All medical staff are now required to be screened at the beginning of their shift for signs of fever and respiratory symptoms before going to work.

For Iowa businesses, the previous closures of restaurants, bars, pools, salons, theaters and other businesses has been extended by the governor. The businesses previously ordered closed will now remain closed through April 7. In addition, bookstores, clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, luggage stores, cosmetic stores, florists, and furniture stores have been added to the list of non-essential retail closures.

While the list of closed businesses expands, Governor Reynolds has resisted calls to issue a shelter-in-place order across the state. Reynolds has been repeatedly asked about making the shelter-in-place order during her near daily press conferences, however she remains adamant that the data she is receiving has not yet shown that such a drastic measure is necessary

"I don't want Iowans to think that I'm making these decisions lightly," said Reynolds. "But I have to be consistent in using the data that I'm using to make the decisions that I'm making."

Reynolds noted that, even with a shelter-in-place order, a significant number of Iowans would be considered essential employees and would still be out at their jobs, limiting the effectiveness of the order. Instead, the Governor has reiterated that it is incumbent on Iowans to regulate their own behaviors by staying home and limiting their risk of exposure as much as possible.

"I believe that Iowans don't need an order to do the right thing," said Reynolds.