Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds updated her public health disaster proclamation aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
The updated proclamation still requires social distancing and reasonable public health measures for many social, community, business or leisure gatherings or events.
The limit of just two spectators per athlete at high school-sponsored events has been revised to allow for spectators who are from the same household.
In addition, restaurants and bars are allowed to resume in-person services at their normal hours. Bar seating is also allowed.
The updated measures will take effect Thursday, Dec. 17 and expire Jan. 8, 2021.
During her press conference on Wednesday, Reynolds said Monday was a “historic day” as Pfizer’s COVID vaccine arrived in Iowa.
As of Tuesday, about 500 healthcare workers had received the COVID vaccine.
Reynolds said with the vaccine comes hope that life will truly return to normal.
“But for now we must continue to be patient for a few more months as the vaccine supply increases along with the number of people who will be receiving it,” Reynolds said.
She then called for “as many people as possible” to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity.
Reynolds said she plans to be vaccinated after healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff receive their vaccination.
The full proclamation can be found online here.
