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Live COVID-19 updates: Iowa GOP to hold state convention by mail because of virus

11,059 Iowans have tested positive for COVID-19 and 231 have died, according to the latest data from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

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.

Mayor of Des Moines Frank Cownie joined Local 5 Thursday to discuss the city's response to COVID-19.

"I am worried, as we look at that spread ... I think we've got to be very diligent not only in Des Moines but around the state that everyone stay healthy and do what they can," Cownie said.

11,059 Iowans have tested positive for COVID-19 and 231 have died, according to the latest data from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

55,368 tests have returned negative and 4,266 Iowans have recovered.

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a new public health proclamation following her visit to the White House on Wednesday that would reopen certain businesses and facilities across the state. 

Among them:

  • Dental Offices
  • Campgrounds (More info
  • Drive-in movie theaters 
  • Tanning facilities 
  • Medical spas 
  • Malls 
  • Retail stores
  • Fitness centers (limited to one patron at a time)

Until at least May 15, stores and malls are only allowed to operate at half capacity and playgrounds and common seating areas will remain closed. 

May 7, 2020

WATCH: Full press conference with Gov. Kim Reynolds for May 7, 2020

Iowa GOP to hold state convention by mail because of virus

The Iowa GOP party plans to hold its state convention by mail this summer because of concerns about the coronavirus. 

The convention was scheduled for June 13 in Des Moines. Party spokesman Aaron Britt said in a news release that a typical convention would require more than 1,500 people from every county to gather and then return to their respective homes. He says it's not feasible to plan such a large event during the coronavirus pandemic. Delegates will instead decide such issues as approving the party platform and electing party delegates by mail. 

The party also held its district conventions by mail.  

Reporting by The Associated Press

12 additional deaths in Iowa, 655 more in the state test positive

According to the latest data from the Iowa Department of Public Health, 12 more Iowans have died due to COVID-19 and 655 more have tested positive.

The state also unveiled a more in-depth coronavirus dashboard at coronavirus.iowa.gov.

IDPH says 1-in-46 Iowans have been tested.

Tyson reopening Waterloo plant where hundreds were sickened

Tyson Foods will begin limited operation of its huge pork processing plant in Waterloo, more than two weeks after closing the facility because of a coronavirus outbreak among workers. 

Tyson said Tuesday that workers have been invited to tour the plant Wednesday to see enhanced safety measures and social distancing procedures that have been implemented. 

The plant will reopen Thursday. It has been closed since April 22. The Iowa Department of Public Health reports 444 workers have tested positive for the virus. 

The plant is Arkansas-based Tyson’s largest pork processing operation, with the ability to process 19,500 hogs per day. 

Reporting by The Associated Press

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa issues statement on Vice President Mike Pence's visit to Iowa

Religious leaders from across the state are asking Iowans to refrain from meeting in-person despite Gov. Kim Reynolds' order allowing such meetings to occur with social distancing intact.

Laurie Haller from the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church said the following: 

“In the midst of long lines at food pantries, long lines in the emergency rooms, and long lines in the grocery stores, we lament our losses, but we also rise up to the challenge as people of faith to care for all those who are suffering at this time. As our national leaders live in denial of the extent of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we stand strong in diligently practicing social distancing and refraining from in-house worship at the same time as we advocate for the safety of those who are most vulnerable: the elderly, the poor, our health care professionals, the immigrant workers in our meat-packing plants, and our farmers, whose very livelihoods are threatened. This is what God requires of us: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with our God. We can do this together.”

To read the statement in full, click here.

TestIowa site to go up in Crawford County, an emerging hotspot 

The Mayor of Denison tells Local 5 the state has agreed to put up a TestIowa site in the community. There are two meatpacking plants in Crawford County. There are currently 103 positive coronavirus cases in the county. 

RELATED: Waukee teen still waiting for TestIowa results 11 days after getting tested

RELATED: Here's what is and isn't reopening in Iowa on Friday

Iowa sees nearly 25K initial unemployment claims last week, $50M paid out in unemployment benefits

According to the latest U.S. Department of Labor statistics, 24,693 initial unemployment claims were filed in Iowa last week. 

That's a decrease of 2,527 from the previous week. 

22,830 were filed by people who work and live in Iowa, while 1,863 were filed by individuals who work in Iowa but live in anotoher state. 

The state paid out $50,931,302.43 in unemployment benefits last week, according to Iowa Workforce Development.

The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims was 181,358

RELATED: 33 million applied for US unemployment aid since coronavirus hit

Vietnam veterans recognition goes virtual

An annual recognition day for Vietnam vets typically held outside the Iowa State Capitol will be held virtually.

Thursday is the 13th annual Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition day in which Iowans would have gathered at the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to recognize their sacrifices.

A wreath will be placed at the memorial and is visible on the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs' Facebook page.

Iowa Veterans Recognition Day 2020

Welcome to the Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, 2020, virtual ceremony. While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented our usual annual ceremony, and related restrictions disrupted plans to host a live broadcast of a virtual ceremony, we promised to ‘adapt and overcome,’ ensuring the day would not go unrecognized. The following multi-media presentation includes some visual highlights in our usual ceremony, and the script that was planned, including remarks from our keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Thompson, and Gov. Reynolds. We know this is no substitute for the camaraderie of our usual gathering, but these are extraordinary times, and with everyone’s help, we will return to normalcy for our next event. We invite you to watch and read, and maintain our faith that even in these times, our comrades ‘Are Not Forgotten.’

Posted by Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs on Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Des Moines Parks and Recreation extends closures

City buildings and parks facilities will remain closed through June 15, with events canceled or postponed.

RELATED: Here's what is and isn't reopening in Iowa on Friday

RELATED: Live COVID-19 updates: Additional nursing home test site opening in Dallas County; Capital City Basketball League canceled

WATCH: Latest coronavirus coverage from Local 5 on YouTube

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