Governor Issues Mask Requirements and Additional Mitigation Efforts
In an address urging Iowans to postpone their in-person Thanksgiving celebrations, Gov. Kim Reynolds also announced she has signed a new proclamation imposing additional public health measures, including mask requirements, to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These new measures will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 and will continue until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2020.
Johnson County’s mask mandate requires the use of masks in public spaces. The governor’s proclamation applies statewide and requires that when people are in an indoor public space, and unable to social distance for 15 minutes or longer, masks are required to be worn. The same requirements apply to visitors and employees inside State buildings. Additional mask requirements are imposed for certain specific establishments and gatherings.
The proclamation also limits indoor social, community, business and leisure gatherings or events to 15 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 30. This includes wedding and funeral receptions, family gatherings and conventions.
All organized youth and adult sports activities of any size are suspended. This includes basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming, dance, and group fitness classes at gyms.
While high school, collegiate and professional sports are exempt from this prohibition, and high school sports and extracurricular activities are not prohibited, spectators at games or events are limited to two per student and are required to wear a mask.
Restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, arcades, pool halls, bingo halls, and indoor playgrounds are required to close at 10 p.m. and cannot host private gatherings of more than 15 people. Masks must be worn by staff who have direct contact with customers, and customers must wear masks when they are not seated at their table to eat or drink. The proclamation also requires masks inside casinos.
The proclamation also requires hospitals to ensure that inpatient elective procedures are reduced by 50 percent.
The full proclamation can be found on the governor’s website. A summary of enhanced mitigation measures isalso available.
