Governor Reynolds announced on Friday (4/24) that Iowa saw its largest one-day jump in new coronavirus cases.  Another 521 people have tested positive for COVID-19 for a total of 4445 through the pandemic.  19 new cases were reported in Poweshiek County, with 12 of those being adults aged 81 or older.  This follows news on Wednesday (4/22) that an outbreak of coronavirus was found at a Grinnell nursing home.  Jasper County also reports another 18 COVID-19 cases, with one new case in Wapello County and one in Marion County.  Additionally, eleven more Iowans have died from coronavirus, also Iowa’s largest one-day jump, bringing the state’s total to 107.

Additionally, Reynolds made the following proclamation on Friday:

“Today, I’m announcing that effective Monday (4/27), Iowa health systems (and) health care providers may begin the process of resuming elective surgeries and procedures through a phased-in approach.  So this is our first step of many to reopening Iowa and getting life and business back to normal as soon as possible.  On Monday, I will be making additional announcements regarding the first phase of reopening Iowa.”

The Governor’s proclamation also says that farmers markets in the state can begin limited operations. Shoppers at the farmers markets will have to follow social distancing protocols.