DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health released new statistics on COVID-19 in Iowa Monday. The IDPH reports 393 new COVID-19 cases and 9 additional deaths. That brings the statewide total to 5,868 positive cases and 127 deaths.

IOWA (IRN) – Campgrounds, bathrooms and other facilities at Iowa State Parks will remain closed through at least May 14 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The DNR reports state parks and forests remain open now for day-use, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide by social distancing rules and not to gather in groups. Playgrounds, cabins, visitor centers and museums also are closed through at least May 14 because of the outbreak.

U.S. (IRN) The federal government will help U.S. pork producers find new processors — or potentially destroy thousands of pigs that have backed up on farms — because large meatpacking plants have slowed or closed due to COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday that livestock and poultry producers face an “unprecedented emergency.”

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa’s three major public universities are planning to resume in-person classes in the fall. Iowa Board of Regents President Mike Richards said the schools will follow state and federal guidelines to protect health as they develop plans for thousands of students to return to the campuses of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Two more Hawkeyes got the call on the final day of the NFL Draft.
Safety Geno Stone was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 219th pick in the seventh round. Quarterback Nate Stanley is going to the Minnesota Vikings with the 244th overall pick. Fellow Hawkeye teammates Tristan Wirfs, A.J. Epenesa and Michael Ojemudia were also selected in this year’s draft.