NE Iowa News

Gov. Kim Reynolds is urging Iowa residents to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures as this week is expected to be the most difficult one yet.

“I believe most Iowans are being responsible, but I need every Iowan to take responsibility for their health and the health of others,” Reynold said during a recent news conference, as reported by the Oelwein Daily Register. “This week is critical: Stay home. The best way to avoid being exposed to the virus or exposing others is to stay home as much as possible. Leave only for essential errands like getting groceries or necessary supplies for medicine needs.”

Iowa had already started experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases. According to Sioux City Journal, there were 444 new coronavirus cases and 16 coronavirus-related deaths reported last week.

“We had been anticipating that our numbers of COVID-19 cases would climb and last week we saw that happen,” Reynolds said. “Unfortunately, we expect this week will be equally if not more difficult.”

Iowans are being told to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, and isolate themselves if they are sick. Workers required to be at physical locations are encouraged to frequently disinfect their work space and practice social distancing.

While many businesses such as dine-in restaurants, gyms and salons were forced to close many weeks ago, Reynolds ordered additional business closures to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This includes shopping malls, tobacco or vaping stores, bowling alleys, museums and indoor and outdoor playgrounds.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams said on Fox News Sunday that this week would be difficult for the whole country.

“This is going to be the hardest and the saddest week of most Americans’ lives, quite frankly,” Adams said. “This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment, only it’s not going to be localized. It’s going to be happening all over the country. And I want America to understand that.”