Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds held her daily press briefing today earlier than normal, and will continue to do so each weekday at 11-a.m. During her update this morning, she said “Iowa’s fight against COVID-19 is real…and the last week has been especially hard.” (To listen, click on the left side of an audio bar below)

The Governor said since Sunday’s report, there have been 78 new positive case, four new counties for a total of 946 people who have tested positivee in 75 counties. 680 have tested negative, for a total of 10,653. There are 99 people who remain hospitalized, 284 who are recovering at home, and three new deaths from COVID-19.

(The death toll is now 25 in Iowa)

She says the coming week be equally, if not more difficult, especially among older adults above 60, and those with chronic diseases. 10% of the positive cases are among residents and staff of long-term care facilities. 48% of deaths are residents of those same facilities.

The Governor also issued new restrictions aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus, on certain businesses through April 30^th.

All limitations on social gatherings, she said, will also be enforced. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan K. Baynes said the Governor will be issuing guidance to local law enforcement across the state on their role in how to enforce the various declarations of the disaster emergency.

Baynes said “Law enforcement will take reasoned and measured steps if we are forced to do so.

He said also, “Should personal responsibility fail, law enforcement will always seek first to educate the public on the law and the need for it.”