DES MOINES (IRN) – Gov. Reynolds has issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan effective at noon today. It takes significant steps to require social distancing and limit community spread of the virus by implementing temporary measures including moving restaurants to drive-through, carry-out, and delivery only and closures of certain bars and recreational facilities.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced one new case of COVID-19 in Iowa and promised to sign legislation that would waive missed school day requirements due to coronavirus. The total of Iowans known to be infected is 23. Counties affected by COVID-19 include Polk, Dallas, Johnson, Allamakee, Carroll, Harrison and Pottawattamie.

URBANDALE, IA (IRN) – An Urbandale Community School District employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The announcement was made in a letter to the community by the school district Monday night.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Transportation is asking people who need services from their driver license centers to make an appointment ahead of time. This is to reduce the number of people in waiting areas. Officials suggest that people postpone using the state’s licensing and identification centers if they are able to do so. Iowans have 60 days after the printed expiration date on a state-issued identification or license card to renew.

CORALVILLE, IA (IRN) – An Iowa based company has been approved by the CDC to manufacture COVID-19 test kits. Integrated DNA Technologies of Coralville expects to manufacture 5 million test kits per week.