Gov. Kim Reynolds allows businesses to operate at full capacity. | Pixabay
Gov. Kim Reynolds allows businesses to operate at full capacity. | Pixabay
Iowa restaurants and retail stores no longer have to limit their occupancy to 50% of capacity, but they are encouraged to maintain social distancing and best safety practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“Eliminating the capacity restrictions will allow businesses the flexibility to adjust their specific operations accordingly to best meet the needs of their employees and customers," Gov. Kim Reynolds said according to the Telegraph Herald.
Retail stores and restaurants in 77 Iowa counties reopened May 1. Retail stores in the remaining 22 counties reopened May 8 and restaurants reopened the following week. Until June 12, these businesses were limited to 50% of their standard capacity.
Reynolds said swimming pools, senior centers and adult daycare centers are also allowed to reopen if they follow public health guidelines.
"Results such as the consistent downward trends in positive cases and hospitalizations that were experienced for the last month allow us to confidently take additional steps forward further relaxing restrictions and reopening business in a measured and reasonable approach that's driven by data," Reynolds said.
Those in high-risk categories, with underlying health conditions or over age 65, are encouraged to continue to take precautions.
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