Gov. Reynolds extends school closures through April 30

Iowa’s state of emergency will now extend to the end of the April.

In a Thursday press conference held at the State Emergency Operations Center in Johnston, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds updated her initial Public Health Emergency proclamation, which will keep schools across the state closed through April 30. The announcement was first made on March 15, with a full proclamation issued on March 17.

The announcement was made to stem the spread of COVID-19.

"Keeping Iowa's students out of classrooms is a very difficult decision, but it remains necessary for now," Gov. Reynolds said in the press conference. "…Keeping schools closed for an extended amount of time will help protect the safety of our students, educators and school staff, reduce the burden, flatten the curve on our health care system and workforce. Of course, we want to reduce the risk to our most vulnerable Iowans and ultimately, save lives."

However, Gov. Reynolds has not ordered schools to close their doors for the rest of the academic year.

Along with keeping schools closed until May 1, Gov. Reynolds has prompted non-essential businesses to remain closed, as well as suspending elective surgical and orthodontic data and procedures. Gov. Reynolds also announced the continuation of the gathering limit of 10 people.

Currently, there are 946 positive cases throughout the state of Iowa, with the hardest hit areas being Linn County, Johnson County and Polk County. The Iowa Department of Public Health has reported 25 deaths from COVID-19 as of press time.

So far, there have been no positive cases from Calhoun County.