IOWA – According to the statement, the order goes into effect at midnight Sunday. The Republican’s latest health proclamation won’t require Iowans to wear masks while inside public buildings and removes limits on both indoor and outdoor gatherings.
The proclamation said:
“I strongly encourage that all businesses or other employers remaining open with in-person operations take reasonable measures under the circumstances of each establishment to ensure the health of employees, patrons and members of the public, including social distancing practices, increased hygiene practices and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.”
Still, the state just surpassed 5,000 deaths and at least three cases of a new U.K. variant that is considered more contagious have been confirmed.
The state has also struggled in rolling out the vaccine and is ranked as the third-worst – ahead of Idaho and Missouri – in per capita distribution.