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Live COVID-19 updates: Gov. Reynolds announces first steps to reopen Iowa as 11 more deaths, 521 additional cases reported

Text FACTS to 515-457-1026 for the latest coronavirus coverage.

At Local 5, we're bringing you the FACTS NOT FEAR with the latest information and safety tips. Text FACTS to 515-457-1026 for the latest coronavirus coverage.

As of Friday morning, Iowa sits at 4,445 positive COVID-19 cases with 107 deaths and 27,528 negative tests.

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that beginning Monday, elective surgeries and farmers' markets can resume operations as a first step "to get life and business back to normal."

Earlier this week, the State of Iowa launched "Test Iowa", a three-part online assessment to determine risk and schedule testing for individuals across the state.

The program consists of three steps: 

  1. Assess: Iowans can answer questions online to determine current risk.
  2. Test: Those at a higher risk will take priority for testing at a drive-through testing location.
  3. Track: Those who test positive will answer questions to "help isolate the infection rate".

Saturday, April 25

Two residents, 11 staff members at Iowa Veterans Home test positive for COVID-19

The Iowa Veterans Home announced Saturday that two residents have tested positive for COVID-19 over the last two days.  All members of those residents' households have now also been tested, with results pending.  70 more resident have tested negative for the virus.

Additionally, 118 staff members have been tested for the coronavirus, 11 of which have tested positive.  Those workers have been placed on leave for a minimum of three weeks.

Friday, April 24

Iowa DNR extends closures at state parks 

The Iowa DNR announced Friday they're extending closures at state parks to May 14. 

Those include the following:

  • Campgrounds, including youth and group camps
  • Bathrooms, including pit latrines and port-a-potties
  • Playgrounds 
  • Cabins, shelters and lodges
  • Visitor centers and museums

More information about the closures is available here.

Tama County nursing home sees number of COVID-19 cases decrease

Leaders from Premier Estates of Toledo said they have seen fewer cases of COVID-19.

The facility had 32 residents test positive for COVID-19, of which six died. They say sinnce its first positive test result, 24 residents have recovered and four others are still in the recovery phase.

WATCH: Gov. Reynolds' full press conference for April 24, 2020

7 inmates at Polk County Jail test positive for COVID-19

The Polk County Sheriff's Office said 7 inmates at the jail have tested positive for COVID-19. This follows an inmate that tested positive for the virus earlier this week. 

Leaders say they are taking steps to isolate victims from other inmates.

Gov. Reynolds takes first steps to help reopen Iowa amid COVID-19 pandemic

Iowa health systems and health care providers can resume elective surgeries through a phased approach starting Monday, Governor Kim Reynolds said during her press conference Friday. 

This comes as state leaders estimate the peak will happen within the next 2-3 weeks.

In addition, Reynolds is also allowing limited operations of farmers markets.

Reynolds said the revised state budget will be submitted next week. The legislative council will also be meeting. 

READ: Updated public health emergency declaration (April 24, 2020)

State reports 521 new cases, 11 additional deaths

11 more Iowans have died from COVID-19, bringing the statewide total deaths to 107, according to the latest Iowa Department of Public Health Data.

521 positive cases have been added as well. Iowa's total number of positive cases is now at 4,445.

27,528 tests have returned negative.

The deaths were reported in the following counties: 

  • Bremer County, 1 elderly adults (81+) 
  • Black Hawk County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)  
  • Linn County,  2 older adults (61-80 years), 2 elderly adults (81+) 
  • Polk County, 2 elderly adults (81+) 
  • Scott County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)

COVID-19 cases at Newton long-term care facility

Local 5 has learned Accura Healthcare of Newton - West has two employees and one resident positive with COVID-19.

Services include orthopedic care, cardiac care and stroke recovery care, among others, according to the facility's website.

211 hotline in Iowa reaches new milestone

35,000 calls have now been received into the 211 hotline, which has served as a key resource for information on the COVID-19 pandemic in Iowa. 

United Ways of Iowa announced the new numbers Friday. Of the 35,000 calls, 20,000 have been about COVID-19 specifically. The rest have been about issues like employment, food and housing.

Free movie and music services for West Des Moines residents

Leaders from West Des Moines Public Library announced Friday residents in the city can access two new digital content streaming services. They're called "Hoopla" and "Kanopy."

The city said "Hoopla" offers access to things like eBooks, movies, TV and music. More information about "Hoopla" is available here

Moreover, "Kanopy" is an on-demand film streaming service. West Des Moines residents with a library card from the city, and in good standing, can get 10 "credits" to stream content.

The accompanying "Kanopy Kids" service offers child-friendly content, including those from PBS.

More information about "Kanopy" is available here.

St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines seeking donations for food pantry

The food pantry is seeking donations to keep central Iowans fed during this troubling time. 

They are experiencing 4x food costs and a 25% increase in people using the food pantry.

If you would like to donate, you can checkout their GoFundMe here

Relief on the way to Iowa's artists and small nonprofit art organizations

Help is on the way to Iowa's artists and small nonprofit art organizations as the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs awards $191,000 for financial assistance.

156 artists were awarded $1,000 to support their career while 14 small nonprofits were awarded $2,500. The recipients include community theaters, choirs, youth art groups, documentary filmmakers and a Blues musician who has entertained Iowa audiences for more than 40 years.

Applications for a second round of emergency grants will be accepted now through May 1 for all Iowa arts and cultural organizations. For more information and to apply, click here.

RELATED: Relief on the way to Iowa's artists and small nonprofit art organizations

Care facility in Waterloo confirms positive case from employee

Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo has confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 from one of their employees. 

The facility has notified staff, residents and family members of the positive case.

ADM idles large Iowa, Nebraska corn-based ethanol plants

Ethanol producer ADM says it is idling production at its corn ethanol plants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Columbus, Nebraska, furloughing 90 employees in each facility for at least four months. 

The company says low consumer demand for gasoline also has dramatically cut demand for corn-based ethanol which is blended into gasoline. The company said it is focusing on cash flow and diverting some of its resources to other products that are in higher demand, such as alcohol for hand sanitizer. 

The plants each have a capacity of about 300 million gallons a year, among the largest plants of their type in the nation. 

RELATED: COVID-19 live updates: 6 more Iowans die from the coronavirus, 176 additional positive cases reported

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact and staying home if you are sick as main areas of focus for prevention and containment of COVID-19.

Reporting by The Associated Press

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