State health officials reported 804 new positive cases in Iowa between 10 a.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday, according the coronavirus.iowa.gov website. There has also been another 44 COVID-19 deaths in Iowa in the last 24 hours, bringing the state's death toll to 5,067. Iowa's 14-day positivity rate decreased to 9.3% to 9.1% since Thursday.
Woodbury County has marked another grim milestone, surpassing 200 COVID-19-related deaths. Today, Siouxland District Health says 201 residents have died from the coronavirus in the county. IDPH data show there have been more than 13, 3oo cases of covid-19 as well.
The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra has received an Iowa Arts and Culture Recovery Program Grant from the Iowa Arts Council. The Governor's Recovery Program is helping the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra create=e a new live on-demand streaming service. The service significantly expands the Symphony's ability to reach a wider audience throughout Iowa and beyond. With the grant, Sioux City Symphony Orchestra audiences will be able experience performances around the globe online.
In December 2020, Gov. Kim Reynolds allocated $7 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for the purpose of providing economic relief to Iowa's arts and culture industry.
The Sioux City Journal reports that unionized Sioux City School District teachers are also seeking a one-time "overload" pay hike related to increased teaching duties associated with instructing students during the pandemic. In an initial proposal announced yesterday, the Sioux City Education Association asked for the overload pay of $1,200 per teacher. Additionally, they sought a salary increase of 4 percent for the next academic year.
