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Iowa early News Headlines: Thursday, April 9, 2020

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April 9th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

CLINTON, Iowa (AP) — Some workers at a large corn processing plant in eastern Iowa have been told to stay home after four of their colleagues have tested positive for coronavirus. Archer Daniels Midland spokeswoman Jackie Anderson said Wednesday that operations at the plant in Clinton are continuing but with staffing changes. The company said that the four workers who have tested positive are in quarantine and recovering at home. In addition, ADM said that it has asked all colleagues who worked “in close proximity” to the infected individuals to self-quarantine at home. Anderson would not say how many workers are currently at home due to their exposure.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa public health officials say that 97 more Iowans tested positive for coronavirus infection, increasing the state total to 1,145. One person died in Linn County, where the highest number of cases are reported. The virus has now claimed 27 lives in the state and infections have now been found in 79 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The data also shows increase hospitalization in recent days with 122 people now in hospitals, up 17 percent from the day before. Public health officials say Wednesday that the increase is due to changes in how the state gathers the information.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The National Weather Service says flooding remains a concern in several states along the Missouri River, even though the weather has been kind so far this spring. The agency says the flood risk is high in eastern South Dakota, eastern North Dakota, eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, eastern Kansas and Missouri because the soil remains wet. However, a lack of rain and the warm temperatures this spring have allowed snow to melt gradually across the Plains without increasing the risk. Officials have trimmed their forecast for how much water will flow down the Missouri River in 2020, but it is still expected to be a wet year.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Officials at the state’s largest school district have announced plans for completing the school year without having students return to the classroom. Starting on Monday with seniors, Des Moines Public Schools will begin teaching courses online. Other high school students will begin online courses April 20 and students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade will do so starting April 27. The district has surveyed students to determine those who don’t have computer or internet access. Staff will distribute equipment this week to seniors and to other students later. Printed material will also be distributed to students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade.