DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An aide says U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley isn’t believed to have been exposed to anyone testing positive for the coronavirus and is continuing to take normal precautions. Grassley, an Iowa Republican, serves as Senate president pro tempore and is third in the line of succession, following Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Grassley’s largely ceremonial role has taken on new significance since President Donald Trump announced that he and the first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Asked about whether Grassley was taking any new precautions, Grassley aide Michael Zona said Friday the senator was continuing to follow guidance from the Senate doctor, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials.

(Radio Iowa) – Vice President Mike Pence, who was on Iowa yesterday (Thursday), has announced he and his wife have tested NEGATIVE for the coronavirus. Pence discussed his work leading the White House Coronavirus Task Force during appearances in Carter Lake and Des Moines. “With American innovation, our dedicated researchers we believe are just literally weeks away from the first coronavirus vaccine for the American people and we’ll have tens of millions of doses available the moment it’s approved,” Pence said.

Pence spoke to about 270 people in Carter Lake and 600 people in Des Moines yesterday (Thursday), mentioning two treatments the F-D-A has approved for Covid patients.”We’ve demonstrated as a nation that we can slow the spread,” Pence said. “We’re going to continue to protect the vulnerable, continue to save lives and we’re opening up America again.”

According to the vice president’s office, the last time Pence and Trump were in close proximity was Tuesday, at the White House.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Public Health has announced changes in visitor COVID-19 restrictions at long-term care facilities. The changes allow for indoor visits at nursing homes in parts of the state with relatively low positivity rates of coronavirus. The information from the Health Department says the change also allows increased access to important quality of life services such as barbers and beauticians.

And it further expands the definition of ‘compassionate care visits’ so they do not exclusively refer to end-of-life situations. These can include visits to help someone transition into a home or for someone who lost a close friend and is grieving. Nursing home residents have accounted for a little more than half of all COVID-19 deaths in the state.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she is being kept up to date on President Donald Trump and others in the White House who have tested positive for COVID-19. “We want to continue to pray for the president and his wonderful First Lady, Melania. Great individuals — we pray for their welfare and of course for any staff members as well,” Ernst says.

The Republican says she has heard the president has minor symptoms and is in isolation. Ernst says the president has indicated he will continue working through this. “And again, let’s pray for them, please. This is a difficult time in our nation’s history and they could use a little support right now,” Ernst says.

Ernst made her comments after touring a Sioux City Health Clinic. She also plans to meet with Sioux City police officers. Iowa Democrat Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer released a statement on the announcement by PresidentTrump:

“As we have seen firsthand in Iowa and around the country, this virus knows no ethnic, gender, or geographic boundaries and has now reached the President of the United States. I’m praying for the President and First Lady to make a fast and full recovery from COVID-19. I hope this difficult news serves as a call to action for everyone to protect themselves and our communities against the spread of his virus. Be safe and wear a mask.”

Sheriff’s officials in Page County report a traffic stop early Wednesday morning led to a pursuit and foot chase. At around 2-a.m., Deputies arrested 47-year old Gary Lynn Runyon, Jr. , of Coin, for driving while license is barred. Runyon was arrested in Coin. Authorities say during the arrest, Runyon attempted to flee from the arresting Page County Deputy. He was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and transported to Clarinda Regional Health Center, by Coin EMS.

Once released from CRHC and able to be held in jail, Runyon was transported to the Page County Jail on $2000.00 bond. Runyon was released on bond, pending further court proceedings.