Gov. Kim Reynolds says only 4,000 people have gotten results under Iowa’s $26 million coronavirus testing contract but that will increase now that the equipment has been validated. Reynolds said the State Hygienic Lab has determined that the machines purchased for the TestIowa program are 95% accurate in detecting the virus in samples and 99.7% accurate in determining its absence. She says the validation will allow TestIowa to soon process 3,000 tests per day as originally envisioned. She said it would also allow the tests to be processed faster and the state to broaden the criteria of who can qualify for a test.
More than 16,700 Iowans filed unemployment claims last week in the wake of efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. A report released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed 16,735 new claims filed in the sevenday period ending May 9. That was a significant drop from the previous week, when nearly 25,000 Iowans filed unemployment claims. Nationally, nearly 3 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week.
Tyson Foods says it’s cutting prices on some of its meat products. Through Saturday, some of its meats will be discounted by 20 to 30 percent. The company says the discount is in appreciation of its customers’ support and comes as reports show prices at grocery stores across the U.S. are rising. The cost of groceries overall increased by more than 2.5 percent last month, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics says was the biggest increase from one month to the next since 1974.
12 more Iowans have died from COVID-19 in Iowa in the past day, bringing the statewide pandemic total to 318…386 new cases of the virus were reported by the Iowa Department of Public Health Thursday morning, for an overall total of 13,675 positive cases.
A majority of those who have died were residents of long-term care facilities, with nearly three dozen official outbreaks statewide. Sarah Reisetter of the Iowa Department of Public Heath says the state has tried to be proactive in testing staff members at those facilities.
Add the Johnson County Fair to the list of those which has cancelled the grounds and grandstand entertainment for this summer’s event as a precaution to help slow and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Like the others we’ve told you about, they’re also working to provide opportunities for 4-H and FFA members to showcase their talents and accomplishments.
The city of Cedar Rapids Water Division is warning reopening businesses to be aware of some potential hazards due to reduced water flow in their buildings. The Water Division said COVID-19 has not been proven to be transmitted though water systems. The concern here is related to bacterial growth in water and moist environments due to periods of stagnation and low use as businesses have been closed. This could create potential health risks.
Procter & Gamble has announced it will maintain operations at its Iowa City Beauty Care plant as well as invest in more staff and production capabilities. This comes after the company announced two years ago that it was cutting 500 jobs and moving its shampoo, conditioner and body wash production lines to a newer plant in West Virginia. However, after conducting studies, the company changed its plans and believes it needs both plants. Officials added the strong performance of Iowa City’s workforce, and the community’s culture of innovation were important factors in making the decision.
The state’s elected leaders want to know what impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on Iowa’s tax revenue before lawmakers get back to work on June 3. That’s why Governor Kim Reynolds, House Speaker Pat Grassley, and Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver announced Thursday they are asking for the Revenue Estimating Conference to meet prior to the Legislature reconvening, to come up with an estimate that will be used by the Legislature in creating a fiscal year 2021 budget. The last REC projection in March said Iowa state government would be getting around $9.4 billion in tax revenue. It is expected that amount will decline sharply due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the shutdown of much of the state’s economy.
The seventh annual opening and blessing at the Church Row Neighborhood Gardens on West Fourth Street in Waterloo will be held this Saturday morning at 10:30. Former Waterloo council member Steve Schmitt has been involved in the project for a number of years and noted a community garden space in this area of the city is important due to the number of “new residents” to the community. Leaders from Sacred Heart Catholic Church and First United Methodist Church will speak at the Saturday event.
