DES MOINES, Iowa – Late Friday afternoon, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new public health emergency proclamation relaxing public health measures, including lifting the mask mandate that was in place. The proclamation goes into effect on Sunday, February 7, 2021.
Reynolds, in her proclamation, said she still “strongly encourages” Iowans who are 65-years-old or older or who have pre-existing conditions that put them at greater risk of serious complications from COVID-19 to continue to limit their activities outside the home and encouraged Iowans to limit in-person activities with those who are higher risk.
While encouraging businesses and employers to take reasonable measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, she halted closings and enforcement action against businesses and employers unless there is a specific order or directive from the Iowa Department of Public Health.
She also encouraged gathering organizers and hosts to take “reasonable measures” to mitigate the coronavirus’s spread.
Her proclamation also stated that in-person instruction was the presumed instruction method for school districts and accredited nonpublic schools. Still, it also outlined instances where remote learning was authorized: parental choice, approved building or district closure due to significant community spread or health conditions within a building, or inclement weather.
The proclamation also extends regulatory relief for an additional 30 days.
Read the proclamation below.
Public Health Proclamation - 2021.02.05
