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May 22, 2020
Iowa jury trials postponed until Sept. 14 due to COVID-19
The Iowa Judicial Branch says it will postpone jury trials in criminal cases until at least Sept. 14 and push back any in-person proceedings until July 13 or later because of the coronavirus threat.
Some hearings can begin July 13 or earlier if courthouses meet recommended safety protocols, but the use of teleconferences and video conferences will continue to be encouraged.
Health officials have warned that crowded courtrooms could be venues to spread the virus to clerks, jurors, lawyers, witnesses, spectators and defendants.
Reporting by The Associated Press
Polk County Sheriff's Office: 89 inmates test positive at jail
The Polk County Sheriff's Office reports as of Friday, 89 of its inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. 345 inmate tests have been conducted, leaders said.
In addition, nine staff members have tested positive. 163 tests have been administered for staff, leaders said.
Hy-Vee, Fareway announce store updates as more of Iowa opens up
A spokesperson from Hy-Vee said the supermarket's stores are going back to hours from before the COVID-19 pandemic. Hy-Vee said they will still dedicate a time period on Tuesdays for seniors. Customers are encouraged to reach out to their newest store for any new developments.
Local 5 has also reached out to Fareway. A company representative said store hours will be 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. beginning June 1. They say the first hour will continue to be reserved for those high risk.
Local 5 has reached out to Price Chopper for more information on their plans.
WATCH: Gov. Kim Reynolds' full press conference for May 22, 2020
Additional TestIowa sites announced
New sites for TestIowa will open next week in Marshalltown, Sioux Center, and Council Bluffs, according to Gov. Kim Reynolds.
A schedule of sites, locations and times can be found here.
Masks required for visitors and patients at Polk County hospitals and clinics
The Polk County Health Department announced Friday that as a "proactive measure", masks will be required for all hospital and clinic patients and visitors.
In a statement, PCHD says masks should not be placed on anyone under the age of 2 or anyone with breathing trouble.
More information on Polk County Health Department measures can be found here.
Iowa's unemployment rate climbs to over 10% in April
The COVID-19 pandemic took an even bigger toll on the Iowa's job market, with the unemployment rate climbing above 10.2% in April.
Iowa Workforce Development said during the same time last year, Iowa's jobless rate stood at 2.7%.
For more on the unemployment picture in Iowa, click here
211 medical triage line winding down operations in Polk County
With the number of calls dropping, the Polk County Health Department announced the 211 medical triage line will be winding down operations Friday.
Leaders said the 211 line itself will still be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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