DES MOINES, Iowa - Many states have issued "shelter-in-place" or "stay at home" orders to fight the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Iowa is not one of them, despite some local leaders, including Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, having placed their own recommendations residents to stay at home.
Governor Kim Reynolds contends that issuing a shelter in place order is still not necessary, citing some of the other measures taken by the state.
"Many of the steps that we have already taken are equivalent to the stay at home orders that we are seeing in several of these states," said Reynolds. "Like closing schools and some businesses, implementing work from home, and distant learning, and reducing gatherings to 10 people. The significant steps we have taken will help mitigate the spread of the virus, protect the most vulnerable Iowans and reduce our risk of overwhelming our healthcare system."
So far, 21 states have issued some form of Shelter in Place order.