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Gov. Kim Reynolds today expanded the state's disaster health proclamation, halting elective non-essential surgical and dental procedures and expanding the breadth of the state's retail closures.
All existing closures, including restaurants and bar closures, were extended an additional week to April 7. That is effective as of 10 p.m. Thursday.
She also ordered the closure of additional retail — book stores; clothing and shoe stores; jewelry stores; luggage stores; cosmetic, perfume and beauty supply stores; furniture stores; florists and home furnishing stores.
Starting at 5 p.m. Friday all non-essential and elective surgeries that can be delayed without "undue risk to patients" are suspended. Also, all elective dental procedures, except emergency procedures are suspended. Healthcare insurance companies will be able to reimburse healthcare providers for telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits. Lastly, Reynolds ordered that healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, "to engage in enhanced staff health screenings."
Drive-through testing for COVID-19 will start in Woodbury County tomorrow. But, testing isn’t available for everyone. It’s being held in an undisclosed location for patients with recommendations from their doctors.
As of this afternoon, there were still two confirmed cases in Woodbury County.
The city of Sioux City plans to keep facilities closed to the public until further notice because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
That includes City Hall, Long Lines, the Public Museum and Art Center.
However, the city does remain fully functional and is taking appointments for business on a limited bases. There will still be garbage and recycling service, busing and the airport will stay open.
