(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds says studies show schools are safe spaces for kids and she’s praising Iowa districts which have kept all students in class 100 percent of the time. As for Iowa schools that have shifted 100 percent online or to a hybrid system with kids in classrooms every other day, she has a message.

During a news conference late this (Wednesday) morning, Reynolds invited a parent to speak about her frustrations with Ankeny schools. Sarah bar-THOHL has a son in kindergarten and another in third grade and both kids are bouncing between virtual classes and some in-school class time.

Governor Reynolds says current state law limits her ability to change the waiver system that allows schools to shift to part-time in person or full-time online, but hinted legislators could and should change that.

The governor has extended her public health emergency proclamation that was set to expire tomorrow (Thursday) for another week. It requires face coverings in many public places and limits the number of people who may gather indoor and outdoors.

Reynolds also has clarified that 10 p.m. is to be “last call” for alcohol served in Iowa bars, restaurants AND casinos rather than a closing time of 10 p.m. The governor is also letting organized sports for kids and adults — including bowling leagues resume — but spectators are limited to two per participant.

The governor announced the state has contracted with 104 out-of-state nurses to work in Iowa hospitals through the end of the month, 80 of whom are already on the job. The state is also providing a 30-day supply of face masks, gowns and gloves to all 432 Iowa nursing homes, at no charge. The state website shows more than 57-hundred nursing home residents and staff have active Covid infections, with Covid outbreaks at 141 facilities.