UPDATED 12/16/2020 6:00 p.m. Although the Governor actually said member of a participant's household, our newsroom worked with local Talk Radio Host Simon Conway who interviewed Reynolds after her announcement to get confirmation that the Governor means members, plural, of the participant's immediate family. That is an increase in allowed spectators this week, from a limit of two that was set in Reynolds' extended order last week.
Des Moines, IA -- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is continuing her Emergency Order through January 8, but is loosening up Covid restrictions a little more this week.
Restaurants and bars, which have been ordered to close after last call at 10pm will now be allowed to resume normal hours of operation.
Covid Safety rules will still be in place, including social distancing of six feet between groups or individuals, and masks are required for everyone when not seated for service.
The Governor says spectators at high school, youth, or adult sporting/recreation/extracurricular events will be expanded slightly, “to include the member(s) of a participant’s household.”
The governor also lifted the limitation on the number of people at gatherings. Six feet of distance must still be observed between groups or individuals at the gathering.
Reynolds says as of Tuesday, 500 front line medical staff have received the Pfizer vaccine.
Kelly Garcia, Iowa Department of Human Services Director and Interim Public Health Director says the first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could arrive in Iowa as soon as Monday.
Gov. Reynolds says she plans to be vaccinated after healthcare workers and residents and staff of long term care facilities are vaccinated, first.
“I’m confidant that the vaccine is both safe and effective,” Gov. Reynolds said.
"It's the way we get back to normal." Reynolds said.