Governor issues multiple emergency declarations

by Travis Fischer

The outbreak of COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by a novel strain of Coronavirus, continues to spread across the state, resulting in a continuing escalation of containment measures from the state government.

As of Monday, March 23, there were 105 positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Iowa, spiking up from 23 cases the week prior. While most of the initial cases in the state were the result of returning passengers from an infected cruise ship, on March 14 it was confirmed that the virus had achieved “community spread,” meaning it was being transmitted through the population without an identifiable source.

“Due to the detection of community spread, there are new recommendations for individuals with underlying conditions and all Iowans should be prepared for cancellations and disruption,” said Governor Kim Reynolds during a March 14 press conference. “Mitigation measures should be implemented immediately to have the most significant impact on slowing the spread of the virus.”

At the state level, Reynolds has provided frequent updates on the spread of the virus and the state’s increasing efforts to combat it. On March 15, the governor recommended that all schools in Iowa close down for four weeks. Since 

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then, Reynolds has continued to make incremental responses in an attempt to encourage Iowans to stay home and to accommodate those that do.

On March 17, Reynolds declared a State of Public Health Emergency, activating the public health response in the State Disaster Emergency Plan. As part of the emergency deceleration, the governor ordered all restaurants and bars to be closed to the public, only allowing food and beverages to be sold by carryout or delivery. Fitness centers, theaters, casinos, and senior centers were also ordered closed and common gatherings of more than 10 people were prohibited.

These would be the first of a series of business closures over the next several days. Since then Reynolds has announced that there will be additional assistance for workers and employers affected by the mandatory shutdowns.

“Unemployment benefits are available for people whose jobs are impacted by COVID-19,” said Reynolds in a March 19 press conference. “And for employers we are waiving unemployment charges so their taxes are not affected.”

The emergency declaration also lifted several state administrative regulations for the health care industry, such as requiring hospitals to obtain certificates of need before increasing bed capacity or restricting telemedicine services.

To encourage people to stay home, the state suspended the expiration dates of driver’s licenses. Licenses and registration that were expired up to 60 days before the proclamation will be valid for the duration of the emergency without need for renewal, thus avoiding unnecessary face-to-face interactions.

On Friday, March 20, Reynolds issued an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration, providing regulatory relief for other areas affected by the crisis.

To allow local governments to continue operating under a semblance of normalcy, the Iowa League of Cities has requested the suspension of laws that prohibit electronic meetings or limiting the number of people allowed at a meeting site. This will allow city councils and school boards to continue to meet and be as open to the public as possible while limiting physical interaction.

For truck drivers, particularly those transporting needed supplies, certain restrictions on weight limits and hours of service limits have been suspended. Trucks that do not exceed 90,000 pounds or the axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds may drive on Iowa highways, excluding the interstate, so long as they comply with local posted limits.

While the declaration also gives drivers greater leeway for hours on the road, it also mandates that any driver that informs their carrier they need immediate rest receive 10 hours off-duty before returning to work. Drivers can also receive a minimum of 34 consecutive hours off after being on duty for more than 70 hours in an eight day period.

These regulation suspensions only apply to drivers transporting specific goods, such as food, medical supplies, cleaning products, household goods, agricultural supplies, or any other goods necessary to respond to the disaster.

For the duration of the emergency, the state is suspending penalties and interest on delayed property tax payments. State income tax deadlines have likewise been extended to July 31.

“This delay will hopefully help families and businesses struggling with cash flow issues,” said Reynolds at a March 20 press conference.

The order also suspends the regulations that allow for the termination and eviction of rental tenants in certain circumstances.

Several of the lifted regulations are centered around the distribution and sale on alcoholic beverages. From now until the end of March, the declaration allows restaurants and bars to sell unopened containers for off-premise consumption. Beer and wine permit holders are also receiving slack on reporting and tax payments during the crisis.

“Hopefully this will create some additional business opportunities for those bars and restaurants who rely heavily on those sales,” said Reynolds.

Other lifted regulations include an extension of firearm permits and the suspension of fire drill requirements for school buildings.

A third proclamation was signed on Sunday, March 22, forcing the shutdown of salons, medical spas, barbershops, tattoo parlors, tanning facilities, massage therapists, and swimming pools until the end of the month.

The proclamation also suspended foreclosures on residential, commercial, and agricultural property and lifted licensing requirements for some medical professionals during the disaster.

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