Iowa now has 44 positive COVID-19 cases as of this afternoon.
The governor gave the update during a press conference today. The previous count, yesterday, had Iowa with 38 cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Reynolds said the state and all Iowans are committed to preventing the spread of the virus.
“We’ve temporarily closed our schools and declared a public health disaster emergency, which means bars, restaurants and other public places where large groups of people congregate are closed. It means our everyday routines have changed. All of the necessary actions we have taken at the state level have come with consequences for Iowans."
State public health officials are asking Iowans to donate extra personal protective equipment or P-P-E to help address the coronavirus.
State and local leaders say stockpiles of masks and gloves are being used rapidly and healthcare providers and first responders are bracing for shortages.
South Dakota has obtained more supplies to run tests for COVID-19, Gov. Kristi Noem announced today.
She said the state lab would be prioritizing tests for people deemed to be at high risk for the coronavirus. There are 385 tests waiting at the lab.
A spokeswoman for the governor said the lab is counting how many tests it can run. It received a shipment this morning, and officials expect another this afternoon.
