By Beacon Staff
Malls, retail stores, tanning facilities, dentists, and campgrounds throughout the state will have the option of reopening to the public this Friday.
A revised order issued by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday eases restrictions in the 22 counties (including Des Moines County) currently under stricter rules than the rest of the state. The order does not mention easing restrictions on restaurants, salons, and tattoo parlors.
Local businesses such as B-Town Comics and Games, Weird Harold’s, Myrtle Vera’s Hallmark, and BOLD Beauty Bar are some of the first Burlington establishments to announce their reopening Friday, and others likely will follow. BOLD Beauty Bar will only be open for tanning.
Medical spas that provide aesthetic medical services, such as laser hair removal, acupuncture, and Botox injections, also will be allowed to reopen.
But there are restrictions, depending on the types of business. All businesses will have to follow social distancing guidelines, increased hygiene practices, and not go over 50 percent capacity.
Following The Rules
Reynolds was in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to meet with President Donald Trump and update him about Iowa's response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed 219 Iowans and infected 10,404 as of Wednesday.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced it will only re-open state campgrounds to campers with tents, pop-up campers, or RVs with a functioning, self-contained bathroom. Playgrounds, rental lodges, shelter houses, cabins, and visitor centers will remain closed. Beaches will be open but monitored closely. Communal picnic tables will be available to use at campers’ “own risk.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.