Register staff

Get more information 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.

The increase in coronavirus cases worldwide and in the U.S. has caused significant alterations to daily life. In Iowa, the first case was reported on March 8, with more Iowans testing positive in the following days.

Here's how the Register has covered the coronavirus outbreak so far:

The latest on the coronavirus

#DSMStrong: Community Foundation, partners activate Disaster Recovery Fund

Think of it as a one-stop donation station. Register Editor Carol Hunter, in a column, encourages those wanting to help to consider a donation.

Governor's office says order suspending 'non-essential' surgery includes surgical abortions

Reynolds' move will mix a national political debate about women's reproductive health into the state's ongoing response to coronavirus.

Reynolds, a Republican, has long been vocal about her opposition to abortion.

Iowa's existing health care workforce shortage compounded by coronavirus surge, lack of protective supplies

Iowa health care workers and the organizations that advocate for them shared concerns with the Des Moines Register about long hours and a lack of personal protective equipment and other protective measures.

Some warned the issues could exacerbate Iowa's existing shortage of health care providers.

Iowa orders additional retail closures, halts elective and non-essential surgeries and dental procedures

Gov. Kim Reynolds expanded the state's disaster health proclamation Thursday, halting elective non-essential surgical and dental procedures and expanding the breadth of the state's retail closures.

Eastern Iowan state's first COVID-19 death — a 61- to 80-year-old from Dubuque County

Gov. Kim Reynolds' office announced the death in a news release sent Tuesday night. The death is the first in Iowa linked to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus

In eastern Iowa, concerned neighbors take steps to ensure Amish get word about COVID-19

“We all should try to be good neighbors, I think,” Stephanie Leonard said. “Everybody’s in it together. It’s pretty apparent at this point.”

Coronavirus puts extra strain on Des Moines' nonprofit food providers, homeless shelters

Want to help? Donate.

► More:The latest on coronavirus in Iowa

Where are reported coronavirus cases in Iowa?

► More:Age ranges and locations of cases in Iowa

More on reported cases in Iowa

4 residents test positive at Cedar Rapids nursing home where 2 employees tested positive earlier

Workers at the nursing home quickly isolated the residents away from the rest of the population, and they will remain separate for at least two weeks, the statement said. Nursing home officials have not shared details of the residents' conditions.

Health care group: 4 employees at long-term care facilities, 1 resident test positive for coronavirus in Iowa

The Iowa Health Care Association confirmed to the Des Moines Register Wednesday that five people at four long-term care facilities in the state have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Four of those cases involve employees, including one at Pleasantview. In the fifth case, a resident was diagnosed with the highly contagious virus.

►More coverage:

​​How to prepare for coronavirus

First defense against coronavirus: 20 seconds of proper hand-washing

Wash your hands.

8 things you can do right now to protect your money, credit and finances during the coronavirus crisis

Here are some ways to fight back if the pandemic gives you the financial flu.

Don't fall for coronavirus scams: What you need to know to avoid fraud

Where there is fear, there are usually scammers ready to take advantage.

Advocates for consumers warn Iowans to be wary of websites, emails, texts and social media posts using worries about the virus to take your money, sell bogus products or lure you into providing personal information.

'STOP BUYING MASKS': Fear-driven purchases raise prospect of a shortage

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, there is a global shortage of medical face masks.

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The impact at Iowa health care facilities

Iowa pharmacists say they lack enough supply for doctors experimenting with COVID-19 drugs

Like shoppers clamoring to find toilet paper, some doctors and hospitals around the country have been pre-emptively prescribing and stockpiling hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, two medications being used in trials in fighting COVID-19, for those who might need them.

In rural Iowa, hospitals face a starker reality when trying to stem coronavirus spread

These are trying times for the American medical community, but particularly in rural places. In Cherokee County, hospital administrators are getting creative, endlessly trying to scrounge up much-needed equipment and supplies, hoping that none of their doctors or nurses or ambulance drivers becomes infected.

UI Hospitals and Clinics makes 'urgent request' for donations of personal protective equipment

Leaders at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics have made an "urgent request" for face shields to protect all employees who interact with patients, visitors and coworkers as it works to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Johnson County — the epicenter of confirmed cases in Iowa.

'He doesn’t want to die without me': Spouses fear isolation, loneliness for loved ones as nursing homes lock down

A growing group of spouses or primary caregivers are struggling with this new reality — and making hard choices.

How Iowa day cares, schools and universities are responding

As some Iowa day cares close, others grapple with safety worries in coronavirus pandemic

In other states where cases of COVID-19 are more widespread than in Iowa, child care centers have shut down statewide to stem the spread.

But in Iowa, many centers remain open as the coronavirus escalates, putting owners, employees and parents in difficult positions.

Where and when you can pick up food for your child during central Iowa schools' coronavirus shutdown

Des Moines-area school districts are rolling out plans to provide food to students during the four weeks that schools are scheduled to be closed in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Des Moines schools commit to paying staff during shutdown, but most Iowa districts undecided

A majority of the state's 330 public school districts have yet to say whether they will keep paying hourly staffers, according to the Iowa State Education Association, the union that represents the state's educators.

► More:Running list of Iowa schools closing or canceling classes due to the coronavirus

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Iowa Statehouse, cities react

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds tears up in plea that Iowans stay home, says to 'hang in there'

“You know, Iowans are scared and they’re nervous, and I appreciate that, but we’re going to get through it,” Reynolds said, her voice cracking. “If you keep doing what we’ve asked you to do, we will be back to those good days. So hang in there.”

As coronavirus spreads, rural Iowa's public transit services have seen ridership numbers — and revenue — plummet

With people staying home to avoid getting sick, ridership has nosedived across the state.

Governor closes salons, spas, tattoo parlors; asks for opening of day care centers for children of essential workers

Iowa's salons, barber shops, medical spas, massage therapists, tattoo shops, tanning facilities and swimming pools are the latest businesses mandated to close by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds as the state's number of positive novel coronavirus cases continues to rise.

There are now 90 positive cases of the novel coronavirus in Iowa — half of which were announced this weekend. COVID-19 is now in 24 counties.

Iowa works to adjust to a coronavirus-outbreak world

Without a timeline for an end, Iowans are settling into a new, uncertain, way of life.

Mayor asks Des Moines residents to only leave home for essentials; waives parking meter fees

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie has asked residents to voluntarily stay home — only leaving for essential items like groceries, medicine and health care — for at least two weeks to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus in Iowa's capital city.

Cownie has also waived all enforcement at downtown parking meters, recognizing that residents in that area are likely parking on city streets as they work from home or have been laid off.

Gov. Kim Reynolds prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people, limits restaurants, closes theaters, casinos, bars

Under the governor's orders, restaurants will end dine-in services but can provide food and beverages through drive-thru, carry-out and delivery. Other facilities such as bars, gyms, theaters and casinos must close.

On March 15, Reynolds recommended K-12 schools shut down for four weeks. In previous days, Des Moines had announced it would shutter schools through March 30, and many colleges and universities had scaled back or ended in-person classes and gatherings.

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How it's affecting the criminal justice system

'Prisons and jails are literally petri dishes': Inmates released, arrests relaxed across Iowa amid fears of coronavirus

Though no inmates have tested positive for coronavirus, authorities are taking the threat of the communicable disease seriously.

Iowa Supreme Court postpones criminal, civil jury trials over coronavirus concerns

The Iowa Supreme Court issued an order postponing most criminal and civil jury trials to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Criminal jury trials will be postponed until April 20 and civil jury trials until May 4 —unless the jury already has been sworn in — the Iowa Judicial Branch said in a news release.

What about church services, weddings and funerals?

As coronavirus spreads across Iowa, officials adjust church services and more

Early in the coronavirus outbreak, some Iowa churches embraced the idea that cleanliness is next to godliness: Various denominations gave priests, pastors and members discretion when it comes to engaging in rites such as communion and exchanges of greetings.

Services have since been canceled statewide in response to Gov. Kim Reynolds' emergency declaration. Some are offering online worship options.

“As backwards as it may seem, right now, love looks like an empty church,” a news release from the West Des Moines Christian Church said in announcing the cancellation of its in-person March 15 service.

'We are living now in a coronavirus world': How one church in Iowa is worshiping online

"We are together, not physically, but we are together spiritually," Pastor Barrie Tritle of First United Methodist Church in Iowa City said.

Coronavirus restrictions crimp Iowa funerals, weddings and celebrations

Some families, funeral director Charlie Yoder said, have utilized Facebook Live and FaceTime broadcasts as a way to include more family members in ceremonies — not unlike what many churches are doing now in lieu of in-person services.

How businesses are reacting

Inside a small-town Iowa restaurant doing its best to survive a pandemic

Eight months after he opened his 90-seat Italian eatery within a few steps of the Carlisle High School football field, James Hamm’s place been forced to dramatically scale back and reluctantly lay off employees.

First downtown Des Moines hotel closes amid coronavirus outbreak

The Des Lux Hotel in Des Moines has closed temporarily because of the COVID-19 outbreak, making it the first downtown Des Moines hotel to close because of the coronavirus.

Winnebago Industries shuts down factories amid coronavirus spread

In response to the spread of COVID-19, Winnebago Industries announced Monday morning that it will suspend work at its factories.

Shopping malls in Des Moines metro cut hours while some stores shut down

Many stores at malls around the Des Moines metro were closed on March 19, but the malls have still decided to simply reduce hours instead of closing altogether.

Hy-Vee, Fareway cut store hours in an effort to mitigate the spread of coronavirus

Both have dedicated time for customers who are at a higher risk of contracting the illness.

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How Iowa agriculture is affected

Coronavirus dampens optimism that the U.S. deal with China will boost farm prices *Subscriber exclusive*

The outbreak that's roiling the global economy is suppressing a boost in demand that farmers hoped to see after the United States reached a trade agreement with China, economists and others say.

"It always looked like it was going to be challenging for China to meet their targets, but now it's even more challenging," said Dermot Hayes, an Iowa State University economist.

Chances are slim that pets or livestock could contract coronavirus

"We cannot say it’s never going to happen. But at this point, the risk of spillover of this virus from humans to animals is very low," said Kyoungjin Yoon, an ISU professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine.

How sports leagues, events and conventions are reacting

Drake Relays postponed indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic

The postponement also impacts all events associated with the Drake Relay, including the Beautiful Bulldogs contest, Grand Blue Mile and Drake Road Races.

All spring sports suspended by Iowa High School Athletic Association, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union

That means no practice, no competition and no sanctioned activity until schools reopen.

Prairie Meadows to suspend casino, hotel, racetrack operations as part of coronavirus response

The casino stressed that there has been no known case of COVID-19 on the property, but in a statement said the board of operations and executive team are suspending operations "out of an abundance of caution for our community, guests and employees."

Multiple sports leagues with Iowa connections have made announcements that they have suspended or canceled their 2019-20 seasons:

RAGBRAI extends sign-up, refund deadline amid coronavirus outbreak

To accommodate concerns over Iowa's coronavirus outbreak, organizers of the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa say they are extending the deadline to register for the ride and receive refunds.

► More:What's been closed, canceled or postponed around Iowa as a result of the spreading coronavirus

The good news: Iowans show kindess, find fun during pandemic

#DSMstrong: We're spotlighting efforts by businesses, organizations and institutions to maintain the economic, social and cultural ties that define our communities.

Waukee Fire Department making birthday party calls to bring smiles to neighborhoods' kids stuck inside

“A lot of the messages we’re getting is that their birthday parties are canceled and they’re looking for something to kind of make their birthday a little more special in some way,” Lt. Tony Clemen said. “So if we can do that in any way, it’s a great opportunity for us to get out in the community and at least see people.

'A good, positive vibe': Ankeny, Johnston teachers connect with students during drive-by parade

"We’re trying to keep that sense of community going even though we have to practice safe distancing from one another," Crocker Elementary PTO co-president Lindsey Schacherer said. "Difficult times like this show you how important it is to have those social connections."

Clive band Opus Taylor holds driveway concert to boost neighbors' spirits during social distancing

As the band's soothing music flooded the neighborhood, about 30 neighbors of all ages came out of their homes, sat in lawn chairs and recorded Opus Taylor on their smartphones.

Iowans find creative ways to socialize while social distancing

Iowans across the state have found creative ways to keep in touch and stay connected, even while physical get-togethers are off-limits, or at least inadvisable. From Skyping with grandparents to playing video games with friends, distance has not yet dulled the spirits of Iowans.

Twitter account I've Pet That Dog has a twist in the era of social distancing

Gideon's only requirement is that the dog has to be cute. The problem? All dogs are.

Central Iowa sports bar and restaurant giving away food to families in need

“If we have a chance, when everything is bad in the world, to do something to help others, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t,” said Alex Mason, one of the bar’s three owners.

Fans flock to online marble races with Iowa commentator amid sports cancellations

Social distancing, canceled sports events and mounting anxiety in light of coronavirus have led people to rediscover of a corner of the internet that remote groups around the world already knew all too much about: Marble racing.

Beaverdale family trades books for toilet paper, gloves in little free library

This little free library has been a source of joy to those who stumble upon it. Now it's something more.

Iowa distilleries and business owners team up to make, give away hand sanitizer

The business owners plan to give the sanitizer away for free to anyone who needs a bottle.

Iowans experiencing the outbreak

From a basement office to quarantine on a military base, this is novel coronavirus through the eyes of 6 Iowans

It’s been a week since Iowa's first confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus. Here's what life's been like for six Iowans experiencing it up close.

Winterset couple in 'good spirits' after coronavirus outbreak confines them on cruise ship

Trapped in a room on a cruise ship for days might be a nightmarish scenario for most people, but one Iowa couple is making the most of just that.

Epidemic in Iowa history

From the archives: 1918 brought a nightmarish flu epidemic to Iowa's Camp Dodge

More than 700 soldiers at Camp Dodge died of the flu in 1918. At its peak in October 1918, the flu was killing more than 50 soldiers a day.

Read this series of stories by former Des Moines Register Frank Santiago originally published in November 1999.

How the Register is reacting

As novel coronavirus spreads, here's what the Register is doing to keep you informed

We are doing that by keeping our focus on the facts, and quickly reporting what we know to as many readers as possible.

Gannett Co., the Register's parent, has asked employees across the country to work remotely for at least three weeks.

Read more from our news director.

Gannett launches website to help local small businesses hit hard by coronavirus crisis

Gannett, the owner of USA TODAY and more than 260 daily local media properties, including the Register, is launching a nationwide effort to help communities support local small businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

The media company announced Monday a new website, supportlocal.usatoday.com, that will allow users to select local businesses in their community to support by buying gift cards for use at a later time. Visitors and business owners can also add local businesses to the platform.

From the opinion section

University of Iowa Hospitals CEO: Iowans, we stand with you. Thank you for helping us.

We will work hard enough and smart enough to overcome the challenges ahead of us, Suresh Gunasekaran writes. If we work together, we will get back to building our community faster.

Editorials:

Rekha Basu columns:

Bob Vander Plaats:Even during pandemic, a hopeful 'new normal'

Iowa State professor:What college faculty ponder as classes go online

Chuck Grassley:Lessons are unfolding from the coronavirus pandemic, a test of our civic duty

► More from opinion: