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Reynolds: 620 COVID-19 tests available in Iowa; prioritizing those hospitalized Share Shares Copy Link Copy

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Governor Reynolds updated her Public Health Emergency in Iowa today - to offer more relief amid the coronavirus outbreak. Here are the top developments we're following tonight. There are now 45 cases of coronavirus in Iowa. Nationwide Insurance says one of its Des Moines employees has tested positive for COVID-19 Three states - Illinois, New York, and California- ordered most residents to stay at home. Plus- The U-S Mexico border will close to non-essential travel. (áááSTACEYááá) Governor Reynolds shared a lot of information during today's news conference. In today's updated emergency disaster declaration, the Governor temporarily suspends the collection of property taxes, penalties and interest. It's harder for landlords to evict tenants. Another part would allow businesses with a Class C liquor license to sell alcohol "to go." The expiration deadline for a permit to carry or acquire a firearm is extended. Here is what else we learned: The state has 6- hundred-20 tests for Covid 19. The state is building up medical supplies for hospitals. Some Iowa companies are working to make parts for ventilators. <WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IS THAT IT IS CONTINUALLY BEING TRACKED, WE ARE LOOKING AT ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES. I'LL TELL YOU ANOTHER STORY, WE HAVE AT THE U OF I THEY ARE USING 3-D PRINTING TO PRINT PARTS FOR VENTILATORS. WE HAVE A PARTNERSHIP IN NEBRASKA WITH A RETAILER WITH HOW WE STAND THOSE UP . THOSE ARE THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING ON A DAILY BASIS. çáááVOáááÑ (áááSTACEYááá) ALSO AT TODAY'S NEWS CONFERENCE - IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BETH TOWNSEND SAYS ANYONE IMPACTED BY THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC SHOULD FILE FOR FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE. <'IF YOU ARE LAID OFF DUE TO COVID-19 OR YOU NEED TO STAY HOME AND CARE OR SELF ISOLATE OR TO CARE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OR CHILDREN DUE TO ILLNESS RELATED TO COVID-19 OR BECAUSE OF SCHOOL AND DAYCARE CLOSURES, YOU CAN RECIEVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS PROVIDED YOU MEET THE OTHER ELIGABILITY REQUIREMENTS" > (áááSTACEYááá) A number of KCCI viewers have been asking about who can be tested in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public health says it's working to increase the number of people who are being tested. <"WE ARE WORKING TO EXPAND TESTING CAPACITY IN OUR STATE AND WE'RE WORKING ON THAT EVERY SINGLE DAY AND SO WE DO FULLY EXPECT AT SOME POINT AND TIME FOR TESTING CAPACITY TO EXPAND AND THAT POINT AND TIME MORE TESTS MIGHT BE AVILABLE TO MORE IOWANS BUT AT THIS PARTICULAR POINT AND TIME BECAUSE WE DO HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF TESTS AVAILABLE ITS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT THOSE TESTS BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HOSPITALIZED FOR OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS LIKE OUR HEALTH CARE WORKERS ARE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS THOSE SORTS OF THINGS">