IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — University of Iowa experts advised Gov. Kim Reynolds last week not to relax social distancing rules, warning that the state could suffer a “catastrophic loss of life” even with them and see a second wave of infections. In a research paper made public Tuesday, the professors from the UI College of Public Health said they saw “considerable uncertainty” in how many deaths Iowa could get, ranging deaths from 150 to thousands even with strict social distancing rules.

Days after receiving that warning, the Republican governor signed orders to partially reopen 77 of the state’s 99 largest counties and allow church services and farmers markets to resume statewide.

JAMAICA, Iowa (KCCI-TV) — Authorities say two people are dead and five others are hurt after a young driver crashed a minivan at an Iowa field entrance. Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinkla said the crash happened around 11:35 a.m. Tuesday after the driver lost control of the Toyota Sienna in the community of Jamaica.

KCCI reports that the injuries range from serious to life-threatening and that names will be withheld until all family is notified. The driver was described as a minor. The crash is under investigation.

Des Moines, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety said Tuesday (Today), that at around 1:07-a.m. on April 22nd, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to an individual who was fishing and discovered a body along the Missouri River near the Remington Landing boat ramp west of Mondamin. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office recovered a male subject from the river, and the body was transported to the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny.

On Friday April 24th, an autopsy was conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office.  Through dental records and tattoo markings, the male subject was positively identified as 57-year-old Jeffrey Lynn Wallis of Mondamin.  Wallis’ family had filed a missing person’s report with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office on April 18th

The investigation is being conducted by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, and is assisted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Burt County Sheriff’s Office of Nebraska. Final autopsy results are pending due to toxicology exams.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa is experiencing a surge of coronavirus outbreaks at long-term care facilities, including at one of the nation’s largest nursing homes for military veterans.The Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed that an outbreak at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown has spread in recent days to include the infections of 20 staff and residents.

Six other outbreaks at long-term care facilities across the state were confirmed, bringing the total to 23 since the beginning of the pandemic. Health officials reported Tuesday that another 508 people in Iowa had tested positive for COVID-19 and nine more had died. Another 304 were hospitalized, one-third of them in intensive care.

POSTVILLE, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa state audit has revealed improper spending of thousands of dollars of Postville Volunteer Fire Department funds. State Auditor Rob Sand said Tuesday that the special investigation found nearly $28,000 in improper disbursements and another $5,700 in unsupported disbursements from 2015 through 2018.

Sand says the special investigation was requested by city officials concerned about finances at the department. Among the finding were more than $11,000 in public funds spent at a local grocery store and nearly $4,000 spent on cable TV. The reports says some $16,000 more was wrongly or questionably spent at various vendors.

Atlantic, IA – Cass County Public Health reminds residents that although they are spending more time away from friends and family because of social distancing, state, county and local leaders recognize and appreciate the vital role they serve in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“This unprecedented time is not easy,” said Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen. “We want everyone to know that the actions they are taking—staying away from groups of people and keeping a 6-foot distance from other individuals—are important and make a difference.” These actions, known as social distancing, help stop the spread of COVID-19.

While physical health is a primary focus now, mental health should also be a priority. “Spending most of your time at home means more television and social media, and that often means an overload of information about COVID-19. People may feel lonely and anxious. This is normal, but there are steps we can take to help these non-physical results of COVID-19,” said Olsen.

• Use the phone, computer or other devices to connect electronically with friends and family.
• Take time to unplug. It’s important to stay informed, but you can do that by checking in with trusted sources a few times a day.
• Eat healthy meals and find ways to be active. Be sure to eat regular, healthy meals and make time to move.
• Find ways to support others.
• If you need to talk to someone, visit YourLifeIowa.org, where you can online chat. You can also text YourLifeIowa 24/7 at 855-895-8398 or call 855-581-8111. All services are confidential and free.

Cass County Public Health thanks all the local businesses, schools, essential service workers, health care providers, coalitions, churches and individuals for doing their part during this COVID-19 pandemic.

As a reminder, all residents should:
• Stay home as much as possible, leaving only for essential errands like groceries or medication.
• Stay home completely when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldn’t prevent you from your everyday activities)
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever (100 or greater) and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should call your health care provider before going into the office. The provider may have special instructions for you, and will determine if you should be tested.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

(Radio Iowa) — There are new guidelines for restaurants in the 77 Iowa counties that have the governor’s permission to reopen Friday.  “You know, many Iowans have missed their favorite local restaurant and they’re curious about how the experience will be different and whether it will be safe,” Governor Reynolds says. Iowa Department of Public Health deputy director Sarah Reisetter says no more than six people should be allowed to sit at a table and dining should be by reservation only — so no walk-in traffic.  “Prohibit customer self-service of food, including buffets and salad bars,” Reisetter says. “Implement reasonable measures to ensure social distancing of employees and customers.”

Reisetter says employees’ temperatures should be taken when they get to work and anyone with a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms should be sent home. “Employees with direct customer contact should wear masks that are laundered or replaced daily,” Reisetter says, “and work stations should be staggered, so employees are stationed at least six feet apart whenever possible.” Restaurants that reopen are to eliminate seating in bar areas where customers sit close together.  “We understand that we are asking restaurants to take many precautions,” Reisetter says, “but it’s all in an effort to protect their employees and their customers, so that we can all stay healthy.”

On Monday, Governor Reynolds said restaurants in 77 counties with limited virus activity may reopen — but at 50 percent of normal seating capacity, with at least six feet separating tables. The proclamation Reynolds issued Monday allows farmers markets to open in May. Reisetter says vendors may only sell farm products and food.  “There can be no entertainment, other social activities or common seating. There is a required six-foot minimum spacing between vendors and other social distancing requirements for vendors and customers,” Reisetter says. “Signs should be posted telling the public not to enter if they are feeling ill and vendors should consider accepting cashless options whenever possible.”

According to the Federal Reserve, some paper currency can be in circulation for up to 15 years. A 2017 study of one-dollar bills circulating in New York City found that cash can carry bacteria and viruses.