IOWA (IRN) – Iowa has reached a grim milestone: More than 2,000 residents have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The state reached the total of 2,024 after reporting 33 additional deaths Tuesday. COVID-19 now ranks as the No. 3 cause of death in Iowa, behind heart disease and cancer. And that’s with no COVID-19 deaths until March and a little over six weeks left in 2020. Hospitalizations have tripled in the past month.

IOWA (IRN) – Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley is in quarantine after being exposed to coronavirus. Grassley said he will continue his business for the people of Iowa virtually at home.

IOWA (IRN) – Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation Monday night that requires everyone two years old and older to wear a mask in indoor areas open to the public where they will be within six feet of people not members of their household. The mandate will be effective until December 10. There is no penalty for not wearing a mask.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics leaders said on Monday that they are close to being in a dire position to treat the people infected by COVID-19. Health experts warned that if numbers didn’t start going down, there could be reductions in the number of elective surgeries.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Corrections said more two inmates have died in the past week, due to complications related to COVID-19 and other pre-existing medical conditions. Seven inmates have now died from coronavirus complications.

IOWA (IRN) – The Central Iowa Metro League is asking both the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association to delay the start of the Winter sports season until January 4th for all schools statewide. The CIML is made up of 18 schools, most of whom have returned to virtual-only learning due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. Schools that don’t offer in-class instruction are ineligible to compete in extracurricular events. Most Des Moines schools were unable to compete in Fall sports due to the district starting the year with virtual only instruction.