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The number of positive cases of COVID-19 has grown by another 19 in Iowa, bringing the state total to 124 confirmed cases, Gov. Kim Reynolds said today.
The latest report includes cases in Jasper County and Warren County in central Iowa. That means 30 counties in Iowa have positive cases. Woodbury County has two confirmed cases.
For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The largest concentration of cases continues to be in Johnson County in eastern Iowa, where 37 cases are confirmed. Polk County in central Iowa has the second highest number with 17 cases.
State data shows 70 women have tested positive and 54 men. People aged 61 to 80 are the largest group affected with 61 cases, nearly half of the positive cases, in that age group.
Gov. Kristi Noem said today she is recommending K-12 schools be closed to May 1, since South Dakota may be as much as eight weeks away from the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.
In a press conference, Noem said the state needs to limit business activity, even as President Donald Trump considers relaxing national guidance.
The Republican governor said she'll continue to support restrictions on businesses and social gatherings. She expects infections to increase and is bracing the state's health care system for a surge of patients. She ordered schools to remain closed and state employees to work from home until at least May.
