DES MOINES, Iowa - U.S. Representative Cindy Axne Monday became the second Iowa Democratic Congress member to call on Republican Governor Kim Reynolds to issue a stay at home order for the state.
Axne wrote a letter to Reynolds, where she said additional steps should be taken as COVID-19 continues to spread across Iowa. "As a spike in cases in Iowa looms, I ask you that you reconsider issuing a stay-at-home order," said Axne. "It will protect the health and well-being of our families, save lives, and protect our state’s future prosperity."
Fellow Iowa Democratic Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer sent a letter to Reynolds Friday, calling for a statewide stay-at-home order. Reynolds has continually declined to issue a "shelter in place" or "stay at home" mandate, saying guidelines she's already issued at "equivalent" to orders in other states, and that residents are already doing a good job of social distancing.
Monday, however, Reynolds left open the possibility of targeted stay at home orders in certain areas. "We have some that are close," said Reynolds. "A couple of different changes of variables could implement that."
Axne said she recognizes the steps taken by Governor Reynolds to slow the spread of the virus, but thinks more needs to be done as healthcare providers start to feel the strain of the COVID-19 outbreak.