Iowa health officials report 22 new coronavirus cases

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa health officials have confirmed 22 new coronavirus cases in the state.

The Iowa Department of Public Health said Sunday that the state now has 90 cases of COVID-19.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all of the state's hair salons, barber shops, medical spas, massage therapists, tattoo shops and swimming pools to close until March 31. She also suspended foreclosures on residential, commercial and agriculture properties.

But Reynolds said she doesn't think the stricter "stay-at-home" measures imposed in states like California and New York are necessary in Iowa at this time because residents are complying with state guidelines to avoid gatherings, maintain social distance and stay home if people are sick.

“I think we can manage it if Iowans will do what I am asking them to do,” Reynolds said.

For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Johnson County reported five new cases of COVID-19, and Tama County reported 3 new cases. The new virus cases include two new cases in each of the following counties: Cerro Gordo, Dubuque, and Harrison counties.

The counties of Dallas, Kossuth, Linn, Poweshiek, Scott, Sioux, Washington and Woodbury counties each reported one new case of the disease.

Those infected included one who is 81 years or older, six who are 61 years to 80 years old, eight who are 41 to 60 years old, and seven who are 18 to 40.

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