Governor opens more businesses statewide

     On Wednesday, May 13, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that even more businesses could begin opening up across the State of Iowa.

     Her new proclamation allowed salons, barbershops, massage businesses, and tattoo establishments to re-open statewide, in a limited fashion, with appropriate public health measures in place.

     In addition, restaurants, fitness centers, libraries, and racetracks can open statewide as well, including in the 22 counties where they were closed.

     These openings took effect on Friday, May 15.

     “I encourage all Iowans to limit their in-person interactions with vulnerable Iowans and to exercise particular care and caution when engaging in any necessary interactions,” stated Reynolds.

     The following businesses are fully operational statewide:

     • Grocery stores

     • Banks/credit unions

     • Gas stations/auto supply shops

     • Pharmacies

     • Daycares

     • Mail/shipping services

     • Veterinarians

     • Service stores

     • Medical spas

     • Tanning facilities

     • Massage therapy

     • Tattoo establishments

     • Campgrounds

     • Drive-in movie theaters

     The following businesses are open at 50 percent capacity:

     • Restaurants

     • Fitness centers

     • Malls

     • Other retail stores

     • Salons/barbershops

     • Libraries

     • Social and fraternal clubs

     The following businesses are still closed statewide:

     • Bars

     • Theaters

     • Casinos

     • Senior centers

     • Adult daycares

     • Museums

     • Zoos/aquariums

     • Swimming pools

     • Playgrounds

     • Skating rinks/skate parks

     • Amusements (BINGO halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades, amusement parks)

     Salons and barbershops can open, but must operate at 50 percent of its maximum legal occupancy capacity. They must also operate on appointment-only basis to ensure that the public is not gathering in a waiting area. In addition, they must implement reasonable measures to ensure social distancing of employees and customers, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of the transmission of COVID-19.

     Social and fraternal clubs are defined as: American Legion/VFW posts, Elks Clubs, country clubs, and golf course clubhouses. Those clubhouses can open only to the minimal extent necessary to conduct regular business of no more than 10 people, facilitate the use of the golf course provided appropriate social distancing practices, and to serve food and beverages on its premises only.

     Reynolds’ new proclamation also further defines “mass gatherings:” social, community, recreational, leisure, and sporting events. Gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited, including parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers until May 27.

     However, spiritual and religious gatherings are no longer prohibited, so long as they practice social distancing. A wedding reception of more than 10 people is considered a social gathering and is prohibited.