IOWA (IRN) – As of 10 a.m. Friday, the Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed 389 additional COVID-19 cases. 30,355 positive cases have been confirmed statewide since Iowa’s outbreak began. There have been three additional COVID-19 deaths for a statewide death toll of 720. COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities account for 381 of the state’s total deaths.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Some professors at the University of Iowa said they’re scared to return to the university this fall. The Cedar Rapids Gazette published an open letter written by 37 staff and faculty members to students. They said, “We’re scared for our health and yours, and we’re deeply concerned about the direction in which our university is headed.” The University of Iowa announced it will resume face-to-face classes Aug. 24.

MUSCATINE, IA (IRN) – Muscatine’s Mayor says she will be issuing a city-wide mandatory face mask proclamation in the coming days. Mason City’s mayor has also made this mandate. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller says mayors don’t have the authority to do this–only the Governor does.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds eased some regulations amid this pandemic, including allowing bars and restaurants to sell cocktails to-go in an effort to provide economic relief during closures. That provision is now permanent, thanks to a new state law.