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Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Iowa)
Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.
This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:
- Changes to election dates and procedures in 2020
- Initial stay-at-home orders
- Executive orders
- Coronavirus-related legislation in 2020
- Changes to the state's 2020 legislative session
- Court closures
- The release of inmates
- Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies
Additionally, the article includes:
- Arguments related to the state's response to the coronavirus
- Individual industries and activities from May 15 through July 31
- The state's initial plan to reopen from March and April 2020 closures
- Coronavirus resources relevant to the state.
To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.
Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19
General election changes
Iowa modified its absentee/mail-in voting procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:
- Absentee/mail-in voting: Absentee ballot application forms were sent to all registered voters in the general election.
For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.
Primary election changes
Iowa modified its primary election process as follows:
- Voting procedures: Absentee ballot application forms sent to all registered voters in the primary election. The absentee voting period was extended to open on April 23.
For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.
Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.
Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4
As of April 6, 2020, Iowa had not issued a statewide stay-at-home order.
Executive orders, March 30 through June 29
- State of Emergency declared
- Proclamation of Disaster Emergency – Suspending Provisions Restricting the Movement of Oversize and Overweight Loads of Food, Medical Supplies, Cleaning Products, etc.
- Gov. Reynolds signs legislation to fund key services, combat COVID-19 Spread
- Gov. Reynolds signs legislation expanding roles for physican assistants
- Gov. Reynolds signs additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration
- Gov. Reynolds Signs New Proclamation Continuing State Public Health Declaration
- Gov. Reynolds announces unemployment insurance tax extension to assist small businesses
- Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration
- Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Health Emergency Declaration (1)
- Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration (2)
- Proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration, ordering additional closures
- Proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration, requiring additional protective measures in RMCC Region 6
- Proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration
- New proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration
- Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration
- Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
- Executive Order 6 Establishing the Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board
- Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
Court closures, March 17 through November 4
- September 14, 2020: Jury trials resumed in Iowa after several pilot trials received positive feedback from participating jurors and judges.[11]
- July 13, 2020: Courtrooms reopened to in-person proceedings with restrictions. Social distancing of at least six feet is required, and anyone who talks must be behind a transparent face shield while doing so. Jury trials will not resume until September 14.[12]
- April 10, 2020: The Iowa Judicial Branch extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through June 1. The court also suspended criminal trials through July 13, and civil trials through August 3.[13]
- March 14, 2020: The Iowa Supreme Court ordered that all jury trials in the state that did not commence as of March 13 were deferred to at least April 20.[14]
Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1
The Iowa State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 16, 2020, through June 3, 2020. The suspension was initially scheduled to last through April 15, 2020. It was subsequently extended further, first to April 30, 2020, then to May 15, 2020, and then to June 3, 2020. The legislature adjourned on June 14, 2020.[15][16]
Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19
See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in Iowa. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.
Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24
- May 29, 2020: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) launched “COVID-19 Iowa Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program,” a new rental and mortgage assistance program through the Iowa Finance Authority for residents impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.[17]
- May 27, 2020: The emergency declaration signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) suspending evictions and foreclosures expired. Evictions and foreclosure proceedings could resume May 28, 2020.[18]
- April 6, 2020: The Iowa Judicial Branch stated in their order which extended restrictions on in-person proceedings in the state through June 1, that eviction cases set to begin before June 15 would be suspended, with an exception for tenants that posed a risk to the health and safety of the public or in cases where the district court made the decision to proceed via phone.[19]
- March 22, 2020: Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced a temporary suspension of some evictions, halted new foreclosure proceedings and paused ongoing foreclosure proceedings.[20]
Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1
- April 20, 2020: The Iowa Department of Corrections announced that the department was processing the early release of an additional 428 inmates. Since March 23, the Iowa Department of Corrections has released 811 inmates due to the coronavirus pandemic.[21]
- March 23, 2020: The Iowa Department of Corrections announced the expedited release of over 700 inmates who were already eligible for release per the Iowa Board of Parole.[22] A few counties made the decision to release incarcerated individuals on the local level.[23]
Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Iowa in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.
- Debate over the stay-at-home order
- Debate over the reopening
- Debate over the testing
- Debate over school closures
- Debate over religious service restrictions
- Debate over election policy
- Debate over abortion and coronavirus policy
Status of industries, May 15 through July 31
Between May 15 and July 31, we conducted detailed tracking of industries and activities in each state daily.
- "Yes" means an activity was allowed or an industry was permitted to open. "No" means an activity was not allowed or an industry was not permitted to reopen.
- Some rules were applied regionally rather than statewide. Each cell shows the loosest restriction in place at the time, or the broadest level of an activity permitted in the state, even if that activity was only permitted regionally. Where applicable, we indicated that an activity was only permitted regionally, and provided details in a cell note. For example, if gyms were permitted to open in half of a state, the spreadsheet would say "Yes (regionally)," and differences between the regions would be explained in a note.
- A lack of detail in a note or parentheses does not necessarily mean that an activity or industry was "back to normal." We did our best to capture caveats, exceptions, and modifications to activities. We acknowledge, though, that states put forth a large number of requirements for many industries and activities.
Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures
Iowa released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on April 27, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on June 15. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan.
Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery
On April 27, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced a slate of businesses set to reopen with certain requirements in 77 of the state's 99 counties. Since then, she has issued a series of proclamations further reopening the state.
On the 27th, Reynolds said the state was expanding COVID-19 testing. She said, "We can take a targeted approach to loosening restrictions on businesses in counties where there is no virus activity or where virus activity has been consistently low and showed a downward trend." Reynolds has also cited healthcare system capacity as a metric guiding her reopening decisions.
Iowa was one of seven states that did not issue a stay-at-home order (along with Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming). Reynolds issued a proclamation closing certain businesses and limiting gathering sizes on March 17.
Context
- Reynolds signed a proclamation closing restaurants, bars, fitness centers, casinos, theaters, and other businesses March 17. The proclamation also limited gathering sizes to 10 people. Reynolds issued a series of subsequent proclamations allowing businesses to reopen. She lifted the gathering limit on June 1, replacing it with other capacity guidelines.
- As of June 14, Iowa had 24,039 positive COVID-19 cases and 652 reported deaths. Iowa's estimated population as of July 2019 was 3.2 million. For every 100,000 residents, Iowa had 761.9 cases and 20.7 deaths.
- Iowa is a Republican trifecta, with a Republican governor and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.
Plan details
May 1
In 77 counties, the following businesses were allowed to reopen at 50% of normal operating capacity and with additional requirements. Some requirements are listed below.
- Restaurants (groups no larger than 6, at least 6 feet between groups or people dining alone, bars remain closed, increased hygiene)
- Fitness centers, gyms, health spas (equipment at least 6 feet apart, activities/classes limited to 10 people with 6 feet of social distance, increased hygiene)
- Libraries (increased hygiene, social distancing measures)
- Malls/retail stores (common seating areas remain closed, increased hygiene, social distancing measures)
- Race tracks (no in-person spectators)
Individual/social
- Statewide, the limit on groups to no more than 10 people was lifted for religious gatherings (social distancing and hygiene measures required)
See Reynolds' proclamation summary for additional requirements and details.
May 8
The 22 counties that could not reopen on May 1 were permitted to reopen the following May 8:
- Fitness centers, gyms, health spas (by appointment only, one customer at a time, increased hygiene)
- Malls/retail stores (50% capacity limit, common seating areas closed, social distancing measures and increased hygiene)
The following were allowed to reopen/resume statewide:
- Dental services (in compliance with Iowa Dental Board reopening guidelines)
- Campgrounds (measures to ensure social distancing and increased hygiene)
- Drive-in movie theaters (cars at least 6 feet apart, increased hygiene)
- Tanning salons (measures to ensure social distancing, increased hygiene)
- Medical spas (requirements in Section Ten, paragraph A here)
See the proclamation summary here for further requirements and details.
May 15
In the 22 counties exempt from the first proclamation's reopenings, the following could reopen May 15:
- Restaurants (50% capacity limit, groups no larger than 6, at least 6 feet between groups or people dining alone, bars remain closed, increased hygiene)
- Fitness centers, gyms, health spas (50% capacity limit, equipment at least 6 feet apart, activities/classes limited to 10 people with social distancing, increased hygiene)
- Libraries (50% capacity limit, increased hygiene, social distancing measures)
- Race tracks (no in-person spectators)
The following could reopen statewide:
- Salons, barbershops (50% capacity limit, by appointment only, 6 feet of distance between customers, increased hygiene)
- Massage and tattoo establishments (increased hygiene, social distancing measures)
See the proclamation summary here for further requirements and details.
May 22
The following could reopen or resume statewide: * Movie theaters (50% capacity limit, 6 feet of distance between groups/individuals attending alone, increased hygiene)
- Zoos, aquariums, and museums (increased hygiene, social distancing measures)
- Swimming pools (for lap swimming and swimming lessons, increased hygiene, social distancing measures)
- Wedding receptions (under requirements for restaurants in Section Two, paragraph A of the May 13 proclamation)
See the proclamation summary here for further requirements and details.
May 28
The following could reopen or resume statewide.
- Bars and restaurants (50% capacity limit, no more than 10 people seated together, social distancing between groups/patrons dining or drinking alone, barriers may satisfy social distancing requirement, increased hygiene)
- Fitness center/gym class size limit of 10 lifted, replaced with whatever limit facilitates 6 feet of distance between attendees at all times
Read the proclamation here for further details and requirements.
June 1
The following could reopen.
- Outdoor performance venues (50% capacity limit, social distancing between groups/individuals attending alone, increased hygiene)
- Casinos (50% capacity limit, social distancing by spacing stations 6 feet apart or using barriers, increased hygiene)
- Amusement, e.g., bowling alleys, amusement parks, arcades (50% capacity limit, measures for social distancing and hygiene)
- Skating rinks, skate parks (50% capacity limit, measures for social distancing and increased hygiene)
- Race tracks with spectators (50% capacity limit, social distancing between groups/individuals attending alone, increased hygiene)
- Outdoor playgrounds
- Summer school activities ("consistent with guidance of the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union")
Individual/social
- Gathering size limit of 10 was lifted (indoor/outdoor events limited to 50% capacity. For outdoor areas without capacity limits, gathering must be limited to whatever number permits social distancing)
- Non-school sports/recreation allowed (reasonable social distancing measures, increased hygiene)
Read the proclamation here for further details and requirements.
June 12
- Reynolds lifted the 50% capacity limit on establishments/activities to which it applied, while still requiring social distancing.
- Senior centers and adult daycares were allowed to reopen if they comply with Iowa Department of Public Health guidance.
Read the proclamation here.
General guidance
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) released a guidance document with reopening recommendations for all entities. IDPH released additional guidance for direct client services (including salons, barbershops, massage therapy practices, tattoo parlors, and medical spas) and long-term care facilities.
Guidance for individuals
Reynolds' proclamation effective June 12 said the following:
| “ |
I continue to strongly encourage all vulnerable Iowans, including those with preexisting medical conditions and those older than 65, in all counties of the state to continue to limit their activities outside of their home, including their visits to businesses and other establishments and their participation in gatherings of any size and any purpose. And I encourage all Iowans to limit their in-person interactions with vulnerable Iowans and to exercise particular care and caution when engaging in any necessary interactions.[24] |
” |
Reactions
- On March 23, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie called for a statewide stay-at-home order. He said, "I’m concerned that if we don’t act now, we’re going to see an outbreak here not unlike what is being seen in Chicago or Washington. … We’re ahead of it right now, but we need to act."
- On March 24, Sarah Reisetter, deputy director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, said, "It's important to understand that sheltering in place for two or three weeks will not cause the coronavirus to go away. … That's because this virus is circulating around the world and can be reintroduced into communities from different places."
- On April 24, nine Republican state representatives issued a statement saying Reynolds was "doing her best to show respect for individual liberties by not issuing shelter-in-place orders." The representatives also said, "Recognizing the profound importance of religious liberty, we support the lifting of the prohibition against religious services as soon as possible and support guidelines for safe worship, believing that Iowa’s faith-based community can be trusted to make wise decisions."
- On May 14, Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker said Reynolds' reopening plan did not align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. He said other states were "benefiting from a more cautious and pragmatic approach." Walker questioned the 50% capacity limit for retail stores and how it would be enforced. He said, "Until we get answers to those questions, we must continue to be vigilant. … If you feel you cannot social distance in a hair salon or a department store, don’t go. If you don’t feel comfortable dining in a restaurant, continue getting takeout or delivery until you do." On May 15, Linn County Public Health released guidance for a phased reopening.
Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.
State resources
Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.
Federal resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Education
- World Health Organization
See also
- Documenting America's Path to Recovery
- Iowa’s path to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic
- School responses in Iowa to the coronavirus pandemic
- School responses to the coronavirus pandemic by state
- COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state
- Travel restrictions by state
- Federal government responses to the coronavirus pandemic
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Iowa Supreme Court, "League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa v. Pate: Order," October 21, 2020
- ↑ Star Tribune, "Iowa Supreme Court puts ruling on absentee forms on hold," October 6, 2020
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "Iowa judge temporarily blocks secretary of state from invalidating pre-filled ballot request forms," October 5, 2020
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "Expecting a surge of mail-in votes, Iowa will give counties a head-start on opening absentee ballots," September 25, 2020
- ↑ Twitter, "Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate: July 17, 2020: 6:36 PM," accessed July 21, 2020
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "Iowa Secretary of State will mail ballot request forms to all voters before fall election," July 16, 2020
- ↑ The Iowa Legislature, "HF2486," accessed June 29, 2020
- ↑ KYOU News, "Iowa Secretary Of State To Mail Absentee Ballot Request Form To Every Registered Voter," March 31, 2020
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "Iowa secretary of state extends absentee voting period for June primary due to coronavirus," March 23, 2020
- ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "MEDIA RELEASE: Secretary Pate reschedules three special elections for July 7," March 20, 2020
- ↑ KIWA Radio, "Jury Trials Resume Across Iowa," September 14, 2020
- ↑ WHO, "Iowa Resuming Face-to-Face Court Proceedings Monday, Jury Trials Delayed," July 13, 2020
- ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts- April 13, 2020," April 13, 2020
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namediliacourts - ↑ WHOtv.com, "Iowa Legislature to Suspend Session for 30 Days," March 15, 2020
- ↑ Des Moines Register, "Iowa Legislature to extend suspension of session through April 30 as coronavirus spreads," April 2, 2020
- ↑ Audubon County Advocate Journal, "Governor Launches Eviction/Foreclosure Prevention Program," June 4, 2020
- ↑ Iowa Public Radio, "Iowa Allows Evictions, Foreclosures To Resume This Week; Federal Funds To Help Some Iowans," May 27, 2020
- ↑ Iowa Judicial Branch, "RE: Judicial Branch Operations Summary," April 6, 2020
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedEvictMA - ↑ Prison Policy Initiative, "Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic," April 21, 2020
- ↑ Times-Republican, "Iowa’s prisons will accelerate release of approved inmates to mitigate COVID-19," March 23, 2020
- ↑ Des Moines Register,"Prisons and jails are literally petri dishes': Inmates released, arrests relaxed across Iowa amid fears of coronavirus," March 23, 2020
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
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