Governor Announces More Re-openings Across Iowa

More businesses that remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be allowed to re-open within the next two weeks, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday at her daily press briefing.

Starting Friday, movie theaters, zoos, museums, aquariums and wedding reception venues are among the businesses that will be permitted to re-open at 50-percent capacity as long as appropriate social distancing and public hygiene measures are in place. Reynolds said public swimming pools can also open for lap swimming and swimming lessons.

Starting May 28, bars and other establishments that serve alcohol -- and have been limited to carry-out delivery -- will also be permitted to re-open for indoor or outdoor seating at 50-percent capacity. Reynolds said those establishments must following the same public health measures that are currently in effect for restaurants across the state.

Under a new proclamation signed by Gov. Reynolds Wednesday, several restrictions are also being lifted Friday at Iowa's state parks, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon announced that all modern restrooms, shower buildings and cabins will be open this weekend. Youth group campsites will remain closed, along with shelters, lodges, visitor centers and other group camps area.

Lyon said campers, RV’s and tents will be permitted at state park campgrounds, but campers with overnight reservations will be the only ones allowed at each site. Visitors WILL NOT be allowed at the campsites and only campers occupying the individual campsite will be allowed to gather around the campfire.

According to Lyon, no more than six people will be allowed at each campsite, unless someone’s immediate family has more.

Reynolds had another positive announcement for high school athletes wanting to play baseball and softball this summer. She said Iowa schools will be permitted to resume school-sponsored activities, starting June 1.

According to Reynolds, high school athletics seems to be the logical place to start the process of bringing sports back into season. Reynolds said she's working with the Iowa High School Athletic Association, which governors boys sports, and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union to make the return of summer baseball and softball possible.

The governor and state health officials are also working with youth sports associations to develop a plan to bring other sports' opportunities back for this summer. Reynolds said she plans to have more details next week, before the state's current disaster emergency proclamation ends on May 27.

The new proclamation that Reynolds signed Wednesday does not change the current status of Iowa casinos. They will remain closed for the foreseeable future, as will Adventureland, the amusement park in Altoona.