IOWA, USA — Local 5 is compiling all the information you need to know about COVID-19 in Iowa.
Real-time updates on testing, cases and deaths from the Iowa Department of Public Health can be found here.
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May 20, 2020
Waukee Schools taking steps after meal distribution was suspended
The Waukee Community School District announced when they'll restart their meal distribution program, after an employee got COVID-19 and prompted the suspension of meal distribution at three of its sites.
Leaders said meal distribution will continue May 21 at Waukee High School, Windfield Apartments and Sun Prairie Apartments. Meals won't be handed out on Memorial Day, administrators said.
The district has more information available on its website here.
Dubuque Archbishop announces reopening date for parishes in northeast Iowa
Northeast Iowa Catholics will be able to go back to their churches starting May 30, according to a release from the Archbishop Michael O. Jackels of Dubuque.
In a written message, he states, "I am happy to announce that starting 30-31 May 2020, Pentecost Sunday, the parishes in the Archdiocese of Dubuque are able to gather for outreach to the poor, for faith formation programs, and for the public celebration of Mass and Sacraments - Thanks be to God!"
Simpson College reschedules commencement
Leaders from Simpson College announced they've rescheduled the Indianola school's commencement ceremony to October 17.
It will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The college has posted more information here.
Deadline extended for small business grant applications
The Small Business Recovery Grant for businesses impacted by COVID-19 will now accept applications through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 31.
The grant program will be available for sole-proprietors or businesses with 0 to 30 full-time employees that "have had restrictions placed on their operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic."
For more information and to apply, click here.
Blank Park Zoo will reopen this Friday with several reopening guidelines
The Blank Park Zoo is set to reopen this Friday to members, according to a release. There are several "enhanced measures" that the zoo is taking to keep visitors safe:
- Timed-Tickets for guests and reservations for Blank Park Zoo Members. Members are free, but need to reserve their date and time in advance. Instructional videos on how to purchase tickets will be available at BlankParkZoo.com. Please reserve your tickets before arriving at Blank Park Zoo. Anyone having issues purchasing tickets online should call 515-285-4722.
- One-way path. A one-way Safari Trail has been created so guests can see most of the major animal habitats. Signs and painted animal footprints will help visitors distance properly.
- Zoo Hours. Zoo hours will be 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The last admission will occur at 3 p.m.
- Timed-Ticket Sales. Timed-ticket reservations for members will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2020. General public timed-ticket sales will begin on Friday, May 22 for Sunday, May 24.
- Masks. Blank Park Zoo is strongly encouraging every visitor age two and older to wear a mask, just as all Blank Park Zoo staff will be wearing a mask.
- Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitation. Blank Park Zoo has installed additional hand sanitizer and will be cleaning and sanitizing touch points often per CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines.
- Some areas are closed. Some indoor areas, including the Discovery Center, all rides, areas with major touch points, animal demonstrations and animal feeding experiences will not open during the first phase.
The zoo will reopen to the general public on Sunday.
Gov. Reynolds announces more reopenings for this Friday
WATCH: Gov. Kim Reynolds' full press conference for May 20, 2020
The following business are set to reopen Friday:
- Movie theaters
- Zoos
- Museums
- Wedding reception venues
- Swimming pools
These establishments will reopen with "appropriate public health measures in place," according to Reynolds. Swimming pools, for example, will only be opened for laps and swimming lessons.
Reynolds also announced that bars and other establishments that serve alcohol will be able to reopen next Thursday, May 28.
17 more inmates test positive at Polk County Jail
82 inmates have now tested positive for COVID-19 at the Polk County Jail, an increase of nine. That's an increase of 17 from Tuesday's reported data.
300 inmates have been tested. Out of 159 staffers tested, nine tested positive.
Updates from the jail are posted here.
Drive-by scholarship ceremony for Lincoln High School graduates
From noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Lincoln High School Alumni Foundation is awarding 70 scholarships to high school seniors.
The curbside ceremony will be held outside the Lincoln High School Commons.
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