Pixabay
Pixabay
Northeast Iowa law enforcement can arrest and cite misdemeanors for those gathered in groups of any size following Gov. Kim Reynolds' implementation of stricter guidelines for those areas hit worse with COVID-19 April 17.
Fourteen counties within the region are at a level 10 based on hospitalization rates and multiple COVID-19 outbreaks in processing plants and care facilities.
Police offers are trying to avoid citations and said that it is their last resort if they are able to come to agreements with those they come across, according to KWWL News 7.
"Our primary focus is to help educate and encourage folks not to interact in those types of environments," public information officer for the Iowa State Patrol, Sergeant Alex Dinkla said, according to KWWL News 7.
This order does not mean that people cannot leave their house, it means when spending time outside, to practice social distancing by maintaining at least a six-foot distance from other people.
"Exercising is an important part of mental health and it is encouraged to exercise with proper social distancing," Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said, according to KWWL News 7.
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