Governor issues new mask rules as virus spreads

In a primetime address Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued stricter public health measures in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 as infection rates soar and hospitalizations set records across the state.

Masks now must be worn indoors when individuals are within 6 feet of one another for 15 minutes or longer. Additionally, no more than 15 people can be gathered indoors and no more than 30 can be gathered outdoors. These restrictions apply to wedding receptions, family gatherings, conventions and other nonessential gatherings, but do not apply to gatherings that occur during the ordinary course of business or government.

The restrictions come as a surge in COVID-19 infections threatens the state's health care system. On Monday, a record 1,510 Iowans were in the hospital with coronavirus-related infections, and many health care facilities have reported being at or near capacity.

"Right now, the pandemic in Iowa is worse than it has ever been," Reynolds said. "That's why I'm talking directly to you tonight, to ask for your help, not just as your governor, but as a daughter, as a mother, as a grandmother. It's up to all of us so that the worst-case scenarios that I just described don't become our reality."

In addition to the new mask rules, several other restrictions were imposed by the governor's order Monday.

Group sporting and recreational gatherings are prohibited except for high school, college and professional sports. At high school events, only two spectators are permitted for each athlete, performer or competitor, and they must wear a mask and maintain 6 feet distance from other spectators. Students can be closer than 6 feet and are not required to wear masks.

Restaurants and bars also face added restrictions under the order. All in-person services must cease after 10 p.m., and no bar seating is allowed. Masks are required when patrons are not seated and a six-foot distance must be maintained between groups. Groups cannot be larger than eight people unless everyone is all from the same household, and people must be seated while eating or drinking. These rules also apply to bowling alleys, pool halls, bingo halls, arcades, indoor playgrounds and children's play centers.

Group fitness activities are also prohibited. Finally, hospitals must reduce the number of nonessential and elective surgeries by at least 50 percent the number of beds than in September.

In addition to exceptions for eating and drinking, those with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing face coverings do not need to wear them, nor do individuals participating in religious services.

Reynolds held another press conference Tuesday and said Iowans who are unsure about the new mask requirements should "err on the side of caution."

"If you really want to help do the right thing, then that's what you can do to make sure that you're protecting not only yourself but others, as well," she said.

• Local positivity rates remain high

Fourteen-day coronavirus positivity rates in O'Brien and Clay counties remained over 20 percent during the past week.

O'Brien County's positivity rate was down Wednesday morning from 25.5 percent the same time last week to 22.9 percent, while Clay County's was up from 20.4 percent to 21.4 percent. Those tallies ranked Nos. 48 and 62, respectively, among Iowa's 99 counties. The statewide positivity rate was 22.4, up from 21.4 last week.

O'Brien County was up six coronavirus-related deaths from last week to bring its total to 26. Clay County was unchanged at four. Statewide, there have been 2,064 COVID-19 deaths, an increase of 166 from last week.

O'Brien County has had 1,116 COVID-19 cases since March, up from 1,024 last week. Clay County had 993, an increase of 143 infections from the previous week. Statewide there have been 193,197 cases, up 27,176 from Nov. 11.

O'Brien County has recorded 601 recoveries while Clay County has tallied 503. Statewide, there have been 111,287 recoveries since the pandemic began.

As of Monday, there were 1,510 Iowans hospitalized with coronavirus-related complications. Nine were from O'Brien County and seven were from Clay County.