Register staff

Get more information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov/coronavirus, or call 211, the Iowa Department of Public Heath's hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Personnel at health care facilities, schools, the state government and businesses in Iowa are taking a series of measures in response to the novel coronavirus, which causes a disease known as COVID-19.

► Looking for the latest? Here's what we know, April 6-12.

Here's the latest on what Iowans need to know:

Read the latest on coronavirus in Iowa

8 more COVID-19 deaths in Iowa

April 5: Eight more people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Sunday. Officials said there also have been an additional 83 positive COVID-19 tests, bringing the statewide total to 868.

There have been an additional 519 negative tests for a total of 9,973 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs, according to the release.

According to the IDPH, more than 10% of all positive cases in Iowa are occurring among long-term care staff and residents. More than 40% of all deaths in Iowa are associated with outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The statistics underscore that COVID-19 poses the most risk for older adults above the age of 60 with chronic health conditions, resulting in more severe illness and death, according to the release.

IDPH and public health officials continue to work closely with Iowa’s long-term care associations and facilities, providing guidance for sick residents, transferring residents in need of care to hospitals, constantly monitoring the health of other residents and staff, and implementing additional infection prevention measures.

There have been 22 deaths in Iowa related to COVID-19.

► More Sunday:Iowa marks its deadliest coronavirus day yet; a 57 percent jump

According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 8 individuals who died include:

Appanoose County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

Johnson County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Polk County, 2 older adults (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)

Linn County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

Scott County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

Washington County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

The locations and age ranges of the 83 individuals who tested positive include:

Allamakee County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Benton County, 2 middle-age (41-60 years)

Black Hawk, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age (41-60 years)

Boone County, 1 middle-age (41-60)

Buchanan County, 2 adults (18-40 years)

Cedar County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Clarke County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Clayton County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Clinton County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Dallas County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Hamilton County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Henry County, 2 elderly adults (81+)

Johnson County, 7 adults (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Jones County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Linn County***, 3 adults (18-40 years), 8 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 4 older adults (61-80 years), 7 elderly adults (81+),

Louisa County, 1 elderly adult (81+), 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Muscatine County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Plymouth County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Polk County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 8 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)

Scott County, 3 adults (18-40 years)

Shelby County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Tama County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Warren County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Washington County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

***70 of Linn County’s 161 positive cases (43%) have been attributed to an outbreak at a long-term care facility, according to Sunday's release.

► More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.

Grand juries, jury trials in Iowa suspended until mid-July

April 5: The Iowa Supreme Court has issued an order suspending grand jury hearings and criminal jury trials until mid-July in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Chief Justice Susan Christensen issued the order Thursday, saying trials and hearings already in progress will continue, but those that have not begun and are scheduled to begin over the coming weeks have been postponed.

► More:To slow the spread of COVID-19, grand juries and jury trials in Iowa have been suspended until mid-July

Sanford Health Plan waiving out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19

April 5: Officials with the Sanford Health Plan said Friday the insurance carrier is waiving all out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatment through the end of May.

The health plan will cover all costs for testing and treatment for its members, including outpatient care and inpatient hospital stays, the company said in a release. It applies to all fully insured group and individual plans for its customers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.

Out-of-pocket costs include medical co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance charges related to treatment for COVID-19.

► More:Sanford Health Plan follows Blue Cross Blue Shield's lead in waiving out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatments

Help us report this story

The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.

You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.

You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.

3 additional COVID-19 deaths reported in Iowa

April 4: Another three people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Saturday. Officials said there also have been an additional 87 positive COVID-19 tests, bringing the statewide total to 786.

According to IDPH, an older adult (61-80 years) from Linn County, a middle-aged adult (41-60 years) from Henry County, and an older adult (61-80 years) from Polk County were the latest reported deaths. The statewide total is 14.

The locations and age ranges of the 87 individuals who tested positive include:

Black Hawk County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Bremer County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Clinton County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Dubuque County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Grundy County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years)

Howard County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Iowa County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Jefferson County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years)

Johnson County, 7 adults (18-40 years), 5 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Keokuk County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Lee County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Linn County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 9 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 6 older adults (61-80 years), 2 elderly adults (81+)

Lyon County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Mills County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years)

Muscatine County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)

Plymouth County, 2 adults (18-40 years)

Polk County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 4 older adults (61-80 years)

Pottawattamie County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle age adult (41-60 years)

Scott County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 elderly adults (81+)

Sioux County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (41-60 years)

Tama County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years), 4 elderly adults (81+)

Van Buren County, 1 older adult (41-60 years)

Warren County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

Washington County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)

► More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.​​​​​​​

Iowa lands $44 million federal grant for coronavirus protection equipment

April 4: Iowa was on Saturday awarded $44 million for coronavirus personal protection equipment.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency allocation will cover roughly 75% of Iowa’s current $59 million effort to purchase equipment like isolation gowns, masks and ventilators to assist health care employees dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

The money was allocated following a March 23 disaster declaration that makes the state eligible for public assistance.

Iowa is the only state in FEMA’s Region 7 — which includes Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri — that has to date submitted a request for personal protection equipment, often referred to as PPE.

Paul Taylor, FEMA’s Region 7 administrator, commended Iowa for the speed and thoroughness of its request in a news release. The federal agency said it simplified the public assistance application process to allow local officials quicker access to the money.

“The entire federal family is working day and night to assist state, local and tribal partners in our shared work to combat the effects of COVID-19,” Taylor said.

Iowa is asking the federal government to pay for the remaining portion and the state expects to make additional requests as the coronavirus response continues, Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement Saturday.

Since March 18, Iowa's state government has purchased a wide range of PPE that includes nearly 1.2 million gloves, 1.7 million masks, 72,000 respirators and 682,000 face shields. The equipment is dispersed as soon as supplies are received. Saturday's FEMA grant will help reimburse the state for the purchases, said Pat Garrett, a spokesman for Reynolds

Help us report this story

The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.

You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.

You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.

Minnesota: We'd like Iowa to issue a shelter-in-place

April 3: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has joined the chorus in calling for Iowa officials to issue a stay-at-home order.

Of the handful of states that have not issued a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order, three border Minnesota, including Iowa to the south. Those orders are considered among the strictest directives to keep people home and away from potential carriers of the coronavirus, or from spreading it themselves if they are infected and unaware.

Walz issued such a directive effective March 27. Walz said he communicated his concerns to officials in Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Pioneer Press of St. Paul, Minnesota.

“We want to see these border states move to it,” Walz said, according to the Press. “And I think they will.”

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has resisted calls for such restrictive orders, instead arguing it would hurt the supply chain and out of concern for people's mental health and domestic violence. She also argues that the steps she has taken, including limiting gathering to no more than 10 people, closing bars and restaurants and other businesses and schools, largely accomplishes the stricter policy.

She has stood firm even as two of Iowa's congressional representatives, the state board of medicine, municipal and county leaders and Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the nation's key figures in fighting the pandemic, have called for such restrictive measures.

Reynolds said she is relying on data about when and if to order such a measure. Reynolds’ system for determining a shelter-in-place order or other restrictions is based on a 12-point scale that weighs age, hospitalization, population and long-term care outbreaks, according to the document. Each category has a maximum of three points. The proportion of cases requiring hospitalization, for example, must reach 15% before the maximum points are assessed in that category.

Walmart limits store capacity to promote social distancing

April 3: Walmart announced Friday that it will instate new store policies to promote social distancing between shoppers.

Beginning Saturday, stores will allow in only five customers per 1,000 square feet of space. That's about 20% capacity, according to a news release on the new policy. Customers who arrive when the store is at capacity will line up outside and wait to be admitted as other shoppers leave.

Some Walmart stores will also instate one-way aisles to prevent close contact between passing customers.

COVID-19 cases increase to 699 in Iowa

April 3: The Iowa Department of Public Health says 85 more people have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The announcement on Friday brings the total cases in Iowa to 699. There have been 11 deaths in Iowa related to COVID-19.

The locations and age ranges of the 85 individuals who tested positive include:

Allamakee County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Clayton County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Clinton County, 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Crawford County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60), 2 older adults (61-80 years)

Dallas County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)

Dubuque County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Fayette County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Henry County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Jackson County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Jasper County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Jefferson County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Johnson County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Linn County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 5 older adults (61-80 years), 6 elderly adults (81+)

Louisa County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Lyon County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Marshall County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Monona County, 1 elderly (81+)

Muscatine County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

O’Brien County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Plymouth County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Polk County, 6 adults (18-40 years), 6 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Pottawattamie County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Scott County, 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)

Shelby County, 1 older adult (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)

Sioux County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Story County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Tama County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Van Buren County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Warren County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Washington County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)

Woodbury County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Help us report this story

The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.

You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.

You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.

Iowa schools will remain closed through end of April

April 2: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that the state's schools will remain closed through the end of April.

"Keeping Iowa students out of classrooms is a difficult decision but it's important to do that now," Reynolds said at a Thursday news conference.

All of Iowa’s K-12 schools have been closed since March 15 at the governor's recommendation to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

► More: Des Moines intends to close schools for rest of year, shift to online classes

Polk County could see 10,000 test positive for COVID-19

April 2: Polk County does not have enough hospital beds to handle the number of COVID-19 patients that will require hospitalization, Dr. Yogesh Shah, the director of palliative care services at Broadlawns Medical Center, told members of the Des Moines school board Thursday.

Shah projects the county could see as many as 10,000 residents test positive in the coming weeks as coronavirus cases reach a peak in late April or early May.

Twenty percent of cases (about 2,000) will be severe enough that they will need to be hospitalized, and about 400 will require ICU care, he said.

Polk County has around 1,800 available hospital beds and 250 ICU beds, Shah said.

"Social distancing is the only thing we can do," he said.

► More Wednesday:Data begins to offer clues on how many COVID-19 cases could appear in Iowa — and how many deaths

Shah provided the school board with projections on the virus's progress in Iowa as board members consider when students can return to classes.

Shah said it would be the second or third week of May before he would consider reopening his operating room to patients.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Tom Ahart said the district has not officially canceled school for the remainder of the year, but it is setting aside plans to return to classes and focusing all of its time and energy to moving toward online learning for the rest of the school year.

"It would be irresponsible for us, as a district, to put our staff and our students at risk," board member Dwana Bradley said.

Gov. Kim Reynolds is expected to revise her recommendation on school closures Thursday afternoon.

Rent increase at Waukee mobile home park delayed amid outbreak

Havenpark Capital is delaying for two months a 25% rent increase at Midwest Country Estates in Waukee.

The Utah-based investment firm sent a statement announcing the delay to the Des Moines Register Thursday morning, two days after Rep. Cindy Axne wrote to the Utah-based company, asking it to delay the increase. Rent was scheduled to go up April 1.

Havenpark’s statement clarified that the company had already decided to push back the rent increase and had informed residents of the change days before Axne sent the letter.

“Prior to receiving any request, we had already announced to residents of Midwest Country Estates (in Waukee) on March 26, 2020, that we were delaying the second portion of our planned rent increase (which had already been deferred for over 12 months) at least an additional two months to help our residents during this time of crisis,” the statement said.

The statement also said Havenpark has not received Axne’s letter or heard from her office. Axne spokesman Ian Mariani said in an email Thursday that the staff had sent the letter to the same contact they have used in the past and received a confirmation of the letter’s receipt.

“Havenpark has taken the right step in easing the burden on those who are especially vulnerable during this crisis, and hopefully others will consider taking these steps to protect Iowa families and seniors,” Mariani said.

Havenpark bought Midwest Country Estates in March of last year and immediately notified residents it would increase most lot rents from $295 to $500 per month, or 69%, in June. Ownership has since agreed to stagger those rent increases. In January, the owners told residents they would defer the final $50 of the planned rent increase to April 2021

► Previously, Sunday:Iowa's coronavirus 'peak' might still be 3 weeks away, officials say Sunday

► Previously, Monday:US coronavirus deaths predicted to peak by mid-April if all states impose restrictions

► More Wednesday:Gov. Kim Reynolds hints at extending school and business closures in Iowa

Help us report this story

The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.

You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.

You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.

COVID-19 deaths increase to 11 in Iowa

April 2: Another two people with COVID-19 have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Thursday. Officials said there also have been an additional 66 positive COVID-19 tests, bringing the statewide total to 614.

According to IDPH, two older adults in Linn County — both between the ages of 61 and 80 — were the latest reported deaths related to COVID-19. The statewide total is 11.

The locations and age ranges of the 66 individuals who tested positive include:

Allamakee County, 1 child (0-17 years), 2 adults (18-40 years), 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80) years

Black Hawk County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Boone County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Bremer County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Buchanan County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Cedar County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Cerro Gordo County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Clay County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Clinton County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Dallas County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Delaware County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Jefferson County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Johnson County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Jones County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Linn County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)

Mahaska County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Marshall County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Muscatine County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Polk County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 3 older adults (61-80 years)

Poweshiek County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Scott County, 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Tama County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Van Buren County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Warren County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Washington County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Winneshiek County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Woodbury County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Internal document reveals Iowa's coronavirus benchmarks to issue stay-at-home order

April 2: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ system for determining when to issue a statewide coronavirus shelter-in-place order or other restrictions is based on a 12-point scale that weighs age, hospitalization, population and long-term care outbreaks, according to documents obtained by the Iowa City Press-Citizen.

Each category has a maximum of three points. The proportion of cases requiring hospitalization, for example, must reach 15% before the maximum points are assessed in that category.

A shelter-in-place order would require Iowa reach at least 10 points, according to the document.

Thirty-eight states have issued shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders, considered to be among the strictest directives to keep people home. Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and Arkansas have yet to issue such orders. So far, Reynolds has resisted calls from mayors, members of Congress and others to issue such an order, saying she wants to use data-specific metrics to make the decision as a way to avoid additional undue hardships or panic.

► Read the full story

Capital City Pride postponed

April 2: Capital City Pride, the largest LGBTQ pride festival in the state, has been postponed.

Pushing back the festival about a month, the 42nd Annual Capital City Pride will now be celebrated on July 17-19, 2020, the organizing committee announced in an email.

“We must do our part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19,” Dan Jansen, president of Capital City Pride, said in a statement. “We are monitoring this situation closely and hopeful that this postponement will allow us to celebrate together when it is safe to do so.”

The statement said that the organizing committee is in close communication with the city of Des Moines and following federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO and local health guidance as it makes decisions.

A nonprofit organization, Capital City Pride Fest had more than 30,000 people attend that weekend’s events last year.

In recent years, Capital City Pride has expanded their footprint outside of Pride’s June weekend by offering a year-round speaker series and an annual awards ceremony honoring members of the community and allies.

Their goal, as outlined on their website, is “to create a community where the presence and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people are welcomed and celebrated; where intolerance is challenged and defeated; where justice prevails; and where civil rights of all people are valued and respected.”

​The new dates for Pride Fest 2020:

Pride Week: July 12 - 19

Pride Fest Street Festival in the East Village: July 17-19

The Pride Fest Parade: Sunday, July 19, 2020

Help us report this story

The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.

You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.

You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.

Report: Four residents test positive at Des Moines senior living complex

April 1: Four people have tested positive for the coronavirus at a Des Moines senior living complex, according to a resident there and a media report.

Officials at the Luther Park apartments, part of the Luther Park Community on the city's north side, notified residents that four residents tested positive for COVID-19, according to KCCI-TV. The community has several apartment complexes, some that serve independent-living seniors and some designed for those who require long-term assistance.

Roland Ellison, a Luther Park resident for 11 years, said staff at the complex announced the news Tuesday. The 96-year-old said management has tried to quarantine everyone who lives there.

"We're supposed to stay in our apartments, no congregating and stay separated and all those good things," Ellison said. "I can go to the hallways and we can go to the store or pharmacy or whatever if we need to go — those of us who have the ability to do that."

Luther Park and Iowa Department of Public Health officials did not immediately respond Wednesday evening to a reporter's request for comment.

Ellison said he doesn't feel fearful. He is trying to be hopeful — even after going through radiation therapy and the loss of his wife last year.

"We try to stay safe, but if we get it, we get it," he said. "As the saying goes, I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in."

He encouraged the public to adhere to social-distancing suggestions and to stay positive.

"I get out into the hallways and I do my walk. Got to have exercise and keep the legs going," Ellison said. "Just stay optimistic and we will get through it."

► More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.

Data begins to offer clues on how COVID-19 could effect Iowa

April 1: As the number of identified coronavirus cases in Iowa continues to grow daily, key questions have emerged: How many Iowans will contract the virus? How many will die because of it? And can the state's hospital system handle what's coming?

Data projections are beginning to offer clues.

"It is going to get worse before it gets better," said Dr. Hans House from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, who is among the medical professionals privately reviewing various models about COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus.

► More:Data begins to offer clues on how many COVID-19 cases could appear in Iowa — and how many deaths

Help us report this story

The news surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa is unlike anything the Register has covered. We'll be updating this story as news develops.

You can read what happened in central Iowa prior to this week regarding COVID-19 here.

You can help us report this story by letting us know how novel coronavirus is affecting your routine, your workplace and your day-to-day family life. We also take requests: Just tell us what you want to know. Send news tips to our online contact form, or call us at 515-284-8065.​​​​​​​

► Fact check:Getting flu shot doesn't make you more (or less) likely to get the coronavirus

► Fact check:Is the coronavirus being spread 'quickly' via gas pumps?

► Fact check:Can Trump use the Stafford Act to order a national, mandatory 2-week quarantine?

► Fact check:Are blood type and susceptibility to coronavirus linked?

Application period begins Friday for federal coronavirus-relief loans

April 1: Most business owners can begin applying for forgivable, federally-backed coronavirus-relief loans on Friday.

Iowa Small Business Administration District Director Jayne Armstrong said the agency and the U.S. Department of Treasury finished writing the rules for the new program this week, which will allow business owners to begin submitting applications.

The amount of money for each business depends on the size of its payroll before the pandemic. If businesses retain employees or hire new ones, the federal government will forgive the entire debt. Overall, Congress set aside $349 billion for the loans.

While most businesses can start applying for the loans Friday, independent contractors and self-employed workers must wait until April 10. Here is what you need to know about the program.

► More: Own a business affected by coronavirus? Here's some of the financial assistance available to you.

Reynolds hints at extending school, business closures

​​​​​​​April 1: Gov. Kim Reynolds said that she was looking at issuing a new order extending the closure of businesses and schools in Iowa as the state braces for a surge in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks.

Speaking at her Wednesday news conference, Reynolds said a new declaration would likely come Thursday. She did not elaborate on how long schools or businesses could remain closed. Last month, Reynolds recommended schools close for four weeks. Unless she extends the recommendation, schools had looked at April 13 as a potential reopening date.

"We’ll be issuing an additional health emergency declaration that will address the very question that you’re talking about," she said in response to a question about how long schools would remain closed.

► More: Gov. Kim Reynolds hints at extending school and business closures in Iowa

Out of this world tips for working in isolation

April 1: You may not be wearing a helmet or eating dehydrated chicken out of an aluminum pouch, but odds are you have a lot more in common with NASA astronauts right now than ever before.

For about five years, Daniel Newton has been studying how astronauts work in isolation aboard the International Space Station. Two weeks ago, the University of Iowa professor realized his research was becoming more relevant to him and those he knows.

"A co-worker sent a note — he said, 'Hey, what you're doing with NASA is super relevant,'" Newton recalled. "I was like, "Holy cow, you're right!' I have dealt with all these crew members who have lived in isolated facilities for a major part of the year."

► More:Out of this world tips for working in isolation

Costco limiting how many people can shop

Costco will limit how many people can enter its warehouse clubs as part of its response to the coronavirus.

Starting Friday, the retail giant will allow no more than two people to enter stores with each membership card.

"This temporary change is for your safety and the safety of our employees and other members, and to further assist with our social distancing efforts," Costco posted on its website Wednesday.

► Heading to Costco? Expect to see the changes

Realtors get ready for new challenges as coronavirus spreads

April 1: Last year, the Iowa Association of Realtors reported an overall increase in homes sold compared to 2018. Combined with Iowa’s high marks in housing affordability (ranked No. 1 nationally by the U.S. News and World Report), many expected 2020 to be even stronger.

But three months in, the numbers tell a different story. Instead of the usual spring burst of activity, the real estate market appears to be slowing down.

Through March 10, local showings were up 75 percent from the first of the year, according to numbers provided by the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors — a much faster pace than the same period in 2019. But between March 10 and March 24, as the number of Iowa COVID-19 cases went from a handful to hundreds and business closures proliferated, the total number of showings dropped back to where it was at the first of the year.

► More:‘This is uncharted territory’: Realtors get ready for new challenges as coronavirus spreads

Amazon offering grocery delivery from West Des Moines' Whole Foods Market

April 1: Amazon Prime members can now have groceries from the Whole Foods Market delivered within two hours.

Amazon announced expanded delivery services from the Whole Foods Market in West Des Moines on Wednesday in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic. Prime customers can shop for groceries online and schedule a delivery without having to leave home.

Two-hour delivery for orders of $35 or more is free for Prime members. One-hour delivery costs an additional $4.99.

► More:Amazon offering speedy grocery delivery from Whole Foods Market in West Des Moines

Polk County sees first COVID-19 death

April 1: Two elderly Iowans with COVID-19 — one in Polk County and the other in Washington County — have died, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Wednesday. Statewide, there have been nine COVID-19 deaths.

Additionally, the state reported 52 more positive COVID-19 tests, bringing the statewide total to 549. As of Wednesday, 7,304 tests have come back negative.

Both of the people whose deaths were reported Wednesday were at least 81 years old. No other information was released by the state.

The state's previous deaths were reported in:

Muscatine County — reported March 31, between the ages of 41 and 60

Linn County — reported March 30, at least 81 years old; March 29, between the ages of 61 and 80 years old

Washington County — March 30, at least 81 years old (note: the death reported Wednesday was the county's second)

Poweshiek County — March 27, at least 81 years old

Allamakee County — March 27, between the ages of 61 and 80 years old

Dubuque County — March 24, between the ages of 61 and 80 years old

According to the state, the locations and age ranges of the 52 individuals who tested positive include:

Cerro Gordo County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Clayton County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

Clinton County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Dallas County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Des Moines County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Dubuque County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Harrison County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Henry County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Iowa County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Jasper County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Johnson County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Linn County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Madison County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Mitchell County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)

Muscatine County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

O’Brien County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Polk County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 3 older adults (61-80 years), 1 elderly (81+)

Pottawattamie County, 1 child (0-17 years)

Poweshiek County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Scott County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 adult (18-40 years)

Story County, 2 older adults (61-80 years)

Tama County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)

Van Buren County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Warren County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Washington County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 5 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)

► More:Updated COVID-19 maps, charts track cases, data in state, across U.S.

Michael Bublé postpones Des Moines performance

April 1: Due to the novel coronavirus, Michael Bublé has postponed several dates of his "An Evening With Michael Bublé Tour," including a stop in Des Moines.

"The safety of my fans and my touring family is more important than anything and, of course, takes priority," Bublé said in a news release.

Bublé was slated to perform at Wells Fargo Arena on May 13.

► More:Michael Bublé postpones Wells Fargo Arena tour stop

Survey suggests pandemic slowing Midwest's economy

April 1: A survey of supply managers in a nine-state region of the Midwest and Plains is showing more signs of the coronavirus pandemic's disruptive economic impact.

The Mid-American Business Conditions index sank in March to 46.7 — its lowest reading since September 2016, according to a survey report released Wednesday. The February figure was 52.8.

The survey's confidence index suggested the business leaders were pessimistic about the next six months. The index plunged to a record low 14.5 from February’s 51.4 and January’s 58.8.

► More:Survey suggests coronavirus pandemic draining vigor from Midwest economy

Grinnell College poll: 1 in 4 Americans have lost wages because of COVID-19

April 1: People in the U.S. have changed their habits and taken financial hits from the new coronavirus, but they still expect the country to get through the pandemic OK, a new national poll from Grinnell College shows.

The Grinnell College National Poll, released Wednesday, contains a snapshot of how Americans have been affected by the novel coronavirus which has spread around the world. The poll includes 1,009 U.S. adults and was conducted from March 27-30 by Iowa-based Selzer & Co. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

In the U.S., nearly 200,000 people have tested positive for the virus, which causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease, and nearly 4,000 people have died from it in recent weeks. Businesses have sent workers home; states have ordered restaurants, bars and many stores closed; and schools have shut down to try to slow the virus' spread.

► More:Grinnell College poll: 1 in 4 Americans have lost wages because of coronavirus

Iowa schools brace for an extended shutdown

March 31: Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Tom Ahart said it is unlikely that students will return to classrooms April 13, four weeks after the governor recommended schools close for a month to limit the spread of novel coronavirus.

Iowa school district officials told the Register they are working on contingency plans in the event the shutdown is extended — potentially through the end of the school year.

As of Tuesday, nearly 500 people in Iowa had tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, and state health officials are projecting the first peak of coronavirus infections could be two or three weeks away.

► More:Iowa schools brace for extended shutdown as COVID-19 infections near 500

Reynolds: 'I can't lock the state down'

March 31: As more leaders push Iowa to enforce stricter stay-at-home policies during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Kim Reynolds remained firm that internal data doesn’t say the extra measure is necessary.

“I can’t lock the state down,” Reynolds said at Tuesday’s news conference about the public health crisis. “I can’t lock everybody at home.”

She echoed her previous requests that Iowans limit how often they go out, minimize their contact and keep their distance from others. She has already shut down bars and many retail establishments, limited gatherings to 10 people or fewer and asked businesses to let employees work from home when possible.

► More:Iowa Gov. Reynolds: 'I can't lock the state down' over coronavirus concerns

Secretary of state will mail every registered voter a ballot request form

March 31: The Iowa Secretary of State's office will mail every registered voter in Iowa an absentee ballot request form ahead of the state's June 2 primary, it announced Tuesday.

The plan to send ballot request forms to 2 million Iowans comes as concerns about in-person voting have mounted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Other states have moved their primary dates back out of fear of spreading the virus as people gather at polling sites.

Iowa's June 2 primary is scheduled to go forward as planned, but Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging Iowans to vote by mail to reduce the spread of the virus. Last week, Pate extended the early voting period for mailed ballots to 40 days, up from 29. That means Iowans will be able to cast mailed ballots beginning on April 23.

► More:Iowa secretary of state will mail every registered voter a ballot request form for June primary

Governor extends regulatory rules for to-go alcohol

March 31: Gov. Reynolds extends regulatory rules for bars and restaurants offering alcohol to-go.

The new proclamation, which continues the State Public Health Emergency Declaration, authorizes Iowa eateries to keep selling alcoholic beverages for delivery or carry-out until April 7.

The proclamation also newly allows sale of mixed drinks, so long as the drinks are sealed with a lid to comply with Iowa's law against open containers in motor vehicles.

Another COVID-19 death reported in Iowa; 73 more test positive

March 31: As another COVID-19 death was reported in Iowa, Linn County continues to get hit hard by the novel coronavirus.

Another 19 positive COVID-19 tests were reported Tuesday in the eastern Iowa county by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Linn County has 90 of the state's 497 positive tests. As of Monday, there were 21 cases alone at Heritage Specialty Care, a long-term care facility in Cedar Rapids.

Of the new cases in Linn County, about half of the people were 61 years old or older, according to state data. Two people in Linn County had previously died. Both of those people were also 61 or older.

The person whose death was reported Tuesday was a Muscatine County resident between the ages of 41 and 60. The other previous deaths were reported in Dubuque, Washington, Poweshiek and Allamakee counties.

On Tuesday, the Department of Public Health reported that there have been 73 more positive COVID-19 tests, bringing the statewide total to 497.

The locations and age ranges of the 73 individuals who tested positive include:

Black Hawk County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Cedar County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years)

Clay County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Clinton County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Dallas County, 4 adults (18-40 years)

Harrison County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years)

Iowa County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

Jasper County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

Johnson County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age (41-60 years)

Jones County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle age (41-60 years)

Keokuk County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Linn County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 7 middle age adults (41-60 years), 7 older adults (61-80 years), 2 elderly (81+)

Marshall County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Muscatine County, 2 middle-age (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Polk County, 1 child (0-17), 5 adults (18-40 years), 3 middle age adults (41-60 years), 4 older adult (61-80 years), 2 elderly (81+)

Pottawattamie County, 1 middle-age (41-60 years)

Scott County, 2 middle-age (41-60 years)

Sioux County, 1 middle age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Tama County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Warren County, 2 middle-age (41-60 years)

Washington County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years), 1 elderly (81+)

More:Updated COVID-19 maps, charts track cases, data in state, across U.S.

Delay massive rent hikes at mobile home parks, U.S. Rep. Axne asks

March 31: U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne on Tuesday asked an out-of-state corporation under fire by consumer advocates in Iowa and several states to delay a scheduled 25% rent increase effective in April.

Axne told owners of Havenpark Capital the increase scheduled at Midwest Country Estates in Waukee would be too much for those facing economic hardship during the coronavirus outbreak.

“In these challenging times, we should be doing everything we can to keep families in their homes and additional burdens off their checkbooks,” she wrote. “Iowans are already struggling with lost jobs and lower wages — the residents of Havenpark’s properties in my district cannot afford another rent spike.”

The recently enacted CARES Act also mandates a moratorium on evictions at federally backed properties, including those owned by Havenpark.

Though Havenpark Capital is just four years old, it has racked up complaints related to its business practices with consumer protection officials and housing advocates in several states, a Watchdog report last year found.

More:

Three Marshalltown city employees test positive for COVID-19

March 31: Three Marshalltown city employees tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, the city announced Tuesday morning.

Names of the employees and their roles with the city are not being released because of privacy concerns, the city said in a news release. Marshalltown city offices and work spaces are being deep-cleaned. Employees are being encouraged to work from home and social distance.

“We recognize that many functions of local government are essential, and we are listening to our team members to determine the safest way to continue operations during this time period,” Marshalltown City Administrator Jessica Kinser said in a news release.”

As of Monday, 424 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Iowa. Six people have died.

Des Moines Police Department cancels auto auctions

March 31: The Des Moines Police Department canceled motor vehicle auctions scheduled for April 2 and April 30, Des Moines police spokesman Sgt. Paul Parizek said in a news release. The next scheduled auction is scheduled for May 28.

Adventureland delays opening day two weeks

March 31: Adventureland pushed its 2020 opening date back two weeks and continues to monitor safety directives in regard to COVID-19.

The Altoona amusement park was slated to open May 2, but will instead open May 16. Adventureland was also scheduled to be closed May 19-21, but instead will be open on those days, the park said on its website. Groups with tickets for May 2, 3, 9 and 10 will be contacted by the park to make other arrangements. Ticket inquiries can be emailed to info@adventurelandpark.com, the park said.

"Thank you for your continued understanding, support and patience as we do everything we can to navigate this situation," Adventureland said on its website. "Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our guests, team members, friends and families."

U.S. RepAxne, Finkenauer urge Reynolds to order Iowans to stay at home

March 30: Two of Iowa's Democratic members of Congress are calling on Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to issue a stay-at-home order as the state confirms more cases of the novel coronavirus.

U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne issued a letter Monday calling for the statewide mandate, and U.S Rep. Abby Finkenauer issued one last week. They are among a chorus of voices calling on Reynolds to take more aggressive action limiting Iowans' social interactions in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.

“You and I are both fully aware of the stories of shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical medical supplies in our state,” Axne wrote. “If the state’s public health experts are predicting an imminent spike already, why then would we not consider a step that would keep all but the most essential workers at home to avoid deepening these shortages over the next month?”

► Read the full story here.

University of Iowa students back in class, but the campus is empty

March 30: Classes resumed for thousands of students at the University of Iowa Monday, but campus remained quiet.

In light of COVID-19, the UI, along with other public universities, cancelled in-person classes for the remainder of the semester following spring break. Unlike other universities, the UI extended its spring break by one week to give faculty and staff time to figure out how to translate their classes to online.

The campus will remain largely vacant into the summer. The UI announced graduation ceremonies will not be held on campus and that summer classes held between May 19 and June 14 will be held online. UI leaders have not determined yet whether later summer classes will also be held online, though individual colleges have the option of offering online-only courses over the summer.

► Read the full story here.

Reynolds confirms COVID-19 'outbreak' at Cedar Rapids facility

March 30: Heritage Specialty Care, a long-term care facility in Cedar Rapids, has an “outbreak” of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Kim Reynolds said at her Monday afternoon news conference.

The facility is also the source of 21 of Linn County’s 71 positive tests for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Linn County now has the most positive tests for COVID-19 in Iowa. Johnson County has 70 and Polk County has 61.

The classification of an outbreak means three or more residents have tested positive at the facility.

“Public health officials are working closely with the facility regarding the care of those who are sick and assisting with monitoring of other residents and staff,” Reynolds said.

► Read the full story here.

COVID-19 deaths increase to 6 in Iowa

​​​​​​​March 30: Two people with COVID-19 died on Sunday, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported Monday. Officials said there also have been an additional 88 positive COVID-19 tests, bringing the statewide total to 424.

According to IDPH, one elderly adult (81+) of Linn County and one elderly adult (81+) of Washington County died Sunday, bringing the state total to six. The first death was reported March 24.

The locations and age ranges of the 88 individuals who tested positive include:

Audubon County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Benton County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years), 1 elderly adult (81+)

Cedar County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Cerro Gordo County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)

Clinton County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)

Crawford County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Dallas County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)

Dubuque County, 3 middle-aged adults (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years),

Guthrie County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years)

Iowa County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Jackson County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Jasper County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

Johnson County, 2 middle-aged adults (41-60 years), 3 older adults (61-80 years)

Jones County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Linn County, 9 adults (18-40 years), 8 middle-aged adults (41-60 years), 6 older adults (61-80 years), 6 elderly adults (81+)

Monona County, 1 child (0-17 years), 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Muscatine County, 1 middle-aged adult (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)

Polk County, 2 children (0-17 years), 2 adults (18-40 years), 6 middle-aged adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Scott County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 2 middle-aged adults (41-60 years), 3 older adults (61-80 years)

Shelby County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Tama County, 1 adult (18-40 years)

Van Buren County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

Washington County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 3 middle-aged adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)

► MORE:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and other data in Iowa and across the U.S.

Johnson County supervisors ask Reynolds to issue shelter-in-place order

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is requesting Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to issue a shelter-in-place order or to give the county attorney here authority to do so.

Already, 27 U.S. governors have issued shelter-in-place orders. But Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds through a series of emergency declarations has argued there hasn't been a need for a statewide order.

Late last week, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague considered issuing a city-wide shelter-in-place order, but backed off after Reynolds added additional provisions to her statewide emergency declaration.

This week, supervisors added their voice to the chorus from around Iowa seeking such an order, via a letter to the governor.

"We thank you for the actions you have already taken to help keep our state safe, but more must be done and done quickly," the letter reads.

In her daily press conferences, Reynolds and Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter have stressed that they are making decisions based on the relevant data. She has said that given the current information, such an order isn't necessary.

► Read the full story here.

Metro playgrounds closed indefinitely

March 30: Aiming to stem the spread of COVID-19, more metro-area cities are closing playgrounds to the public.

Playground equipment in Clive, Johnston and Waukee is off-limits starting Monday, news releases said. Signs are being installed to alert the public, but parks, trails, courts and fields will remain open, although team sports are currently prohibited.

A West Des Moines proclamation closing all playgrounds and picnic shelters, set to expire Tuesday, was extended through April 16, according to another Monday news release.

Those utilizing public parks should follow recommended social distancing guidelines and avoid crowds of more than 10 people, city officials urged.

ACLU of Iowa files lawsuit challenging Gov. Kim Reynolds' orders to suspend surgical abortions

March 30: Gov. Kim Reynolds' orders to suspend surgical abortions in Iowa during the coronavirus outbreak will face a legal challenge.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa filed a lawsuit Monday on behalf of several groups seeking an immediate halt to Reynolds' directive.

The lawsuit was filed in Johnson County District Court and names Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, Planned Parenthood Medical Director Jill Meadows and the Iowa City-based Emma Goldman Clinic as petitioners. Reynolds is listed as a respondent, alongside several state officials.

The lawsuit seeks an emergency injunction of Reynolds' order, announced late last week, that would stop surgical abortions in Iowa until mid-April.

The ACLU lawsuit throws Iowa into litigation over women's reproductive health at a time that the state is responding to growing cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus.

Pat Garrett, a spokesman for Reynolds, told the Register that the office does not have a comment about the lawsuit.

► Read the full story:ACLU of Iowa files lawsuit challenging Gov. Kim Reynolds' orders to suspend surgical abortions

Wells Fargo confirms COVID-19 case at West Des Moines call center

March 30: An employee who works at Wells Fargo’s West Des Moines contact center has tested positive for COVID-19, company officials confirmed Monday.

Wells Fargo first learned of the confirmed case Sunday. The employee is at home and is being “closely monitored by their doctor and public health authorities,” corporate communications director Steve Carlson told the Des Moines Register.

“We performed enhanced cleaning at the location, and we have asked employees who have been in close proximity with the employee to not come into the office in accordance with public health guidance. Those employees will not need to use paid time off,” Carlson said.

“We wish our colleague a full and speedy recovery and will provide our full support,” he said. “Our first priority remains keeping Wells Fargo employees and customers safe and well-informed.”

He added that Wells Fargo is taking extra precaution for workers who “must be onsite in order to serve our customers.”

“We are taking significant actions to ensure the safety of our team, including enhancing social distancing measures, staggering staff and shifts, performing enhanced cleaning and implementing the CDC’s guidelines of six feet of space between individuals,” he said. “We continue to follow all public health guidance, and we remain focused on meeting the needs of our customers while reducing the risk to our employees and customers.”

'A sad song in our hearts': 80/35 Music Festival canceled

​​​​​​​March 30: The annual music festival 80/35 has been canceled. The 2020 event would have been the 13th edition of the festival, put on by the Des Moines Music Coalition.

"As a small, nonprofit organization that relies on ticket sales, volunteers, community grants, and corporate sponsorships, the COVID-19 global pandemic has profoundly disrupted our ability to responsibly prepare and produce the festival in a manner that ensures its future success," the group wrote. "A future without 80/35 was something we couldn’t risk."

► Read the full story:80/35 Music Festival canceled amid coronavirus pandemic

World Pork Expo canceled again — this time for a human disease

March 30: The World Pork Expo, planned for June in Des Moines, has been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, the National Pork Producers Council said Monday.

The group said the board of directors were "deeply disappointed" but agreed the move would help producers focus on feeding Americans through the public health emergency.

It will be the second year that the expo has been canceled. The event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds was canceled in 2019 “out of an abundance of caution” because of concerns surrounding African swine fever, which swept through China and other countries, killing millions of pigs.

The event attracts about 20,000 people over three days. In 2018, the event generated about 5,200 hotel room stays and $6.3 million in spending, tourism officials said.

African swine fever, which is deadly for pigs but harmless to humans, remains a threat, with outbreaks reported in Africa, Asia and Europe.

Principal Charity Classic golf tournament postponed to early September

March 30: The Principal Charity Classic, a mainstay on the PGA TOUR Champions professional golf circuit for nearly two decades, has moved its three-day, 2020 event at the Wakonda Club to Sept. 4-6.

The tournament's competition dates were originally scheduled for May 29-31.

All tickets, volunteer registrations and sponsorships will remain valid for the rescheduled dates, according to a tournament news release.

The event is the sixth on the 50-and-over professional tour to be affected on the 2020 schedule. Three tournaments have been canceled outright; one major tournament, the Regions Tradition, has been moved from early May to late September; and the Rapiscan Systems Classic, which was scheduled for this past weekend, was postponed without an announced rescheduled date.

The proactive rescheduling gives the tournament hope to preserve the event’s philanthropic mission since Principal became the title sponsor in 2007. (The event was previously the Allianz Championship from 2001-06.) The tournament has raised more than $23 million for Iowa children’s charities during that time, including a record $5.7 million from the 2019 edition.

► Read the full story: Principal Charity Classic rescheduled for late summer because of coronavirus pandemic

Iowa workers no longer have to exhaust paid leave for unemployment

March 30: Iowans no longer need to use all their paid leave prior to becoming eligible for unemployment benefits tied to the COVID-19 outbreak, Iowa Workforce Development said Monday.

The change is effective immediately, but it will not be applied retroactively, the state said. The state will not backdate claims prior to this week, it said.

Iowa had required unemployed workers to use all available paid leave prior to filing for benefits to help sustain the employer-funded trust fund that provides jobless benefits.

The state said the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package passed last week provides additional funding for workers who are unemployed due to the outbreak.

The federal benefits program also expands the number of people eligible for unemployment, including self-employed workers, independent contractors, nonprofit employees, and gig economy workers as well as workers who have exhausted their benefits.

► GET STARTED:Laid off or laid up because of the coronavirus? Here's how to apply for unemployment benefits.

► PREVIOUSLY:As businesses shut down to stunt coronavirus' spread, Iowa sees record weekly unemployment claims

Demand keeps truckers working during coronavirus outbreak

March 29: As Americans hunker down in isolation against the highly contagious coronavirus, truck drivers have been delivering goods as usual across the country. At a rest stop in Mitchellville, a town of 2,300 people on the far eastern edge of Polk County along Interstate 80, trucks rumble in and out, proof that, as some businesses close and many workers are laid off, COVID-19 hasn’t put the brakes on the trucking industry.

In fact, industry experts say trucking has boomed in March as demand surged, fed by shoppers buying bulk quantities of essential goods ranging from eggs to bleach wipes. Brenda Neville, president of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, attributed the spike in demand to customers stocking up ahead of social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

“Traffic has backed off a little bit, you can see that, but otherwise it’s just another day for me,” Eric Webb, a truck driver from Council Bluffs, said last week.

► Keep on trucking:High demand keeps big rigs rolling amid coronavirus outbreak

Iowa's coronavirus 'peak' might be 3 weeks away

March 29: Iowa’s first “peak” of novel coronavirus infections could still be two or three weeks out, a public health official said at Sunday’s news conference with Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The state announced the fourth death related to COVID-19 on Sunday morning. The Iowan was 61-80 years old and a Linn County resident. An additional 38 Iowans have also tested positive for coronavirus, bringing Iowa’s total confirmed cases to 336.

“It should be every Iowan’s assumption that the virus is currently circulating in their community,” Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter said Sunday.

Reisetter and Reynolds expect the total confirmed cases to continue to rise as more people show symptoms and the state’s increased testing capacity shows more results.

“We might see a peak, a first peak, in the next two to three weeks,” Reisetter said, adding that circumstances are changing and that estimate could change as more information becomes available.

More:A look back at COVID-19 in Iowa, March 23-29

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