Iowa Democrats are continuing to call on Gov. Kim Reynolds to issue a statewide stay-at-home order. Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer sent Reynolds a letter on Friday urging consideration of a statewide stay-at-home order.
“After consulting with medical professionals, especially those in the Dubuque area where we saw the first tragic passing of a coronavirus patient,” Finkenauer said in the letter. “I feel even more strongly that we must take every precaution to protect our families and the essential workers who our state and the nation rely on.”
Finkenauer also wrote that a stay-at-home order would not only protect health care providers and other essential frontline workers, but also Iowans who work in the state’s most important industries.
“Iowa plays a critical role in our nation’s economy as a major player in the domestic food supply chain,” Finkenauer wrote. “From our farmers in the field to food processors on the factory line to those stocking the shelves at our local grocery stores, Americans—both urban and rural—are connected to our state’s food system. If we fail to control the spread of coronavirus and cases in Iowa continue to multiply, I am concerned not only about the long-term effects on our local economies but also the immediate impact on food and agriculture production.”
In addition, a separate letter was sent to Reynolds from 128 Iowa physicians and advanced practice providers. That letter stated:
“We believe now is the time to facilitate “shelter in place” social distancing as soon as possible and ahead of more cases of COVID-19 that will certainly arise in the coming days and weeks.”
On Saturday, State Sen. Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids) noted the surge of COVID-19 cases in Linn County, where there are now 36 total cases after 14 new cases were announced earlier in the day.
“Gov. Reynolds should have already issued a shelter-in-place order, or at least allowed local governments to do it,” Hogg tweeted.
State Sen. Claire Celsi (D-West Des Moines) has also expressed frustration with Reynolds.
“Today, after more deaths and more COVID-19 cases were announced with no countermeasures to #ShelterInPlace in our state, and no more testing being encouraged, I am angry on behalf of Iowans who are looking for strong leadership,” Celsi tweeted.
That’s just one criticism of many Celsi leveled against the Governor.
“I have lost confidence in the Governor to effectively manage this crisis,” she wrote. “The COVID-19 epidemic is accelerating. Irresponsible politicians like Trump and Reynolds are responsible for the deaths and illnesses that result from their lack of leadership. We need an immediate federal disaster declared and Iowa needs a statewide shelter-in-place order.”
State Rep. Lindsay James (D-Dubuque) also called for a statewide shelter-in-place order on Friday.
