DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health released new statistics on COVID-19 in Iowa Tuesday. IDPH reported 508 new COVID-19 cases and 9 deaths. That brings the statewide total to 6,376 positive cases and 136 deaths.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Restaurant Association said Monday that 10% of the state’s restaurants and bars are already lost from the financial devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and will not recover. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced during her COVID-19 news conference that some businesses in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties can reopen Friday at 50% capacity.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Hy-Vee will now require all store employees to wear masks at work. Hy-Vee has already installed plexiglass barriers at all checkouts. Social distancing indicators have been placed on the floor where lines typically form in stores, and they added one-way directional signs in aisles.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The suspension of the Iowa legislative session will continue into May. A statement released Monday afternoon by Iowa House Republicans said the suspension is being extended through May 15. Iowa House Democrats have not released a statement.