Governor unveils plan to reopen most Iowa counties; Muscatine is not one of them

Governor Kim Reynolds speaks at the Iowa Capitol. Photo by John Pemble/Iowa Public Radio

Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday that she will partially reopen businesses and churches in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties, but Muscatine County is not one of them.

During a press briefing, Reynolds said starting May 1 restaurants, fitness centers, retail stores and malls will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent of their operating capacity. She said that she would also allow church services to resume without limits on their size, the Associated Press reported.

Reynolds said the 77 counties have experienced a downward trend in virus activity over the last two weeks. She said that she would extend previously-ordered business closures in 22 other counties, including Muscatine, through May 15.

Muscatine County added an additional six positive coronavirus cases Monday for total of 311. Seven people have died and 132 have recovered. In all, 1,012 tests have been conducted.

Reynolds said that her general ban on gatherings of larger than 10 people would continue.

Fueled by outbreaks at meatpacking plants, Iowa has experienced one of the fastest-growing rates of coronavirus cases in the nation, the AP reported.