DES MOINES — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the Public Health Disaster Emergency for another 30 days.
Bars, taverns, wineries, breweries, distilleries, night clubs continue to be closed in Johnson and Story counties until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 27. They may continue to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption off premises. Restaurants in these two counties are still permitted to remain open, but must stop selling and serving alcoholic beverages after 10 p.m.
The proclamation also extends the other public health mitigation measures currently in place for businesses and other establishments until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. This includes the requirements for open bars and restaurants to ensure six feet of physical distance between each group or individual dining or drinking; to ensure all patrons have a seat at a table or bar and consume alcohol or food while seated; and to limit congregating together closer than six feet. Requirements for social distancing, hygiene, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission also remain in place for gyms, casinos, salons, theaters, and other establishments.
The proclamation also provides additional regulatory relief to school districts and extends many of the previously issued regulatory relief measures necessary to respond to this public health disaster, including those related to healthcare, professional licensure, educational workforce, and expirations of driver’s licenses.
The proclamation now remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Protection of vulnerable Iowans
SECTION ONE. I continue to strongly encourage all vulnerable Iowans, including those with preexisting medical conditions and those older than 65, in all counties of the state to continue to limit their activities outside of their home, including their visits to businesses and other establishments and their participation in gatherings of any size and any purpose. And I encourage all Iowans to limit their in-person interactions with vulnerable Iowans and to exercise particular care and caution when engaging in any necessary interactions.
Use of masks or face coverings
SECTION TWO. Consistent with the recommendations of the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Board of Medicine, and to assist in reducing the spread of COVID‑19, I continue to strongly encourage all Iowans two or older to wear a mask or other face covering when in public settings, especially in circumstances when it is not possible to remain six feet away from others outside their household, unless it is unsafe to do so because of health or disability.