Jones Co. reports six positive COVID-19 cases

By: 
Staff report

     On Monday, April 6, Gov. Kim Reynolds held her daily press briefing, announcing additional business closures in Iowa through April 30. Those include:

     • Malls

     • Tobacco stores

     • Gaming, music, movie stores

     • Golf courses

     • Campgrounds

     • BINGO halls, bowling alleys

     • Museums, libraries, zoos

     • Racetracks

     • Roller rinks and skating parks

     • Playgrounds

     Reynolds previously stated in a press briefing last week that anyone caught not following the state’s coronavirus (CVID-19) guidelines could be subject to a simple misdemeanor. She said she would be issuing guidance to law enforcement officers this week regarding their role in enforcing her disaster declaration orders.

     Reynolds asks that Iowans stay home as much as possible. Only leave your home to run essential errands. Practice social distancing, which is being 6 feet apart from others. Isolate yourself if you are sick. Responsibility enjoy outdoor activities.

     The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports six positive cases of COVID-19 in Jones County, a total of 946 statewide. Iowa has experienced a total of 25 deaths due to COVID-19. The state has seen a total of 10,603 negative cases. Ninety-nine Iowans are currently hospitalized, with 284 having recovered.

     Last week it was announced that FEMA has released more than $44 million to the State of Iowa for reimbursement of expenses related to the COVID-19 response.

     “Our healthcare workers are on the frontlines battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have the State of Iowa’s full support,” said Reynolds. “FEMA’s reimbursement will allow Iowa to buy additional personal protective equipment (PPE). We appreciate President Trump and his team for supporting the health and safety of Iowans during this unprecedented crisis.”

     These funds were obligated under the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration approved for Iowa by President Trump on March 23, and will be used to reimburse the State of Iowa for costs it has incurred in March and April to implement emergency protective measures. These emergency protective measures have included the purchase of PPE such as gowns, masks, and face shields to support the response efforts of hospitals and clinics, local governments, and certain nonprofit entities.

     The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, which is responsible for coordination of disaster response resources, submitted for reimbursement to FEMA a cost of approximately $59 million for emergency protective measures taken by the State of Iowa in response to COVID-19. 

     The $44 million is the 75 percent federal share of that total cost, with the state covering the remaining 25 percent. However, the State of Iowa has requested FEMA cover 100 percent of the eligible costs. As the COVID-19 response continues, additional costs will be submitted to FEMA for reimbursement.

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