DES MOINES, Iowa - A study by University of Iowa researchers says a second wave of COVID-19 infections is likely if social distancing policies are reduced.
Governor Kim Reynolds has loosened COVID-19 restrictions in 77 counties beginning Friday, and is allowing in-person church services to take place statewide.
The University of Iowa study, referred to as a Whitepaper, was conducted for the Iowa Department of Public Health. The department had knowledge of the study's conclusions before Reynolds relaxed the virus restrictions Monday.
The study concluded that "prevention measures should remain in place. Without such measures being continued, a second wave of infections is likely."
It said there's "evidence of a slowdown in infection and mortality rates due to social distancing policies, but not that a peak has been reached." The study said modeling of the virus leaves uncertainty about what the total number of positive cases and deaths will be in Iowa, with possible projections for deaths up to 10,000.