DES MOINES, Iowa - Governor Kim Reynolds says there is now community spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the state after an Iowan in Dallas County has tested positive. This is the 18th case of coronavirus in Iowa, and the first in Central Iowa.
The new case is an older adult, over age 60.
Community spread is a case not linked to travel, or someone who has traveled, and the source of the contagion cannot be identified.
Iowa's 18 coronavirus cases are in Carroll, Dallas, Harrison, Johnson and Pottawattamie counties. 14 of those cases are in Johnson County, all people who were on a cruise to Eqypt together along with the person from Carroll County.
Governor Reynolds is calling for measures to slow down the spread of the virus. This includes not holding or attending gatherings of more than 250 people.
And for people who are over age 60 or who have underlying health conditions, the Governor says, "... stay at home. Consider personal social distancing measures, avoid large gatherings, limit the number of attendees at gatherings."
Reynolds also encourages remove work and study.
The governor still does not support closing Iowa schools on a statewide basis. She says often grandparents are the alternative day care, and children can be carriers of coronavirus, which puts grandparents at risk.
Photo from WHO-TV 13 live stream.