A new COVID-19 disaster proclamation has been signed by Governor Kim Reynolds in response to increases in positive cases across the state. In a press conference on Thursday, Reynolds said the novel coronavirus is being spread greatly by 19-24-year-old young adults often in college areas, as they’ve looked at contact tracing data. She said there’s concern the spread of the virus will spill over to vulnerable Iowans and could affect staffing in medical settings and schools, with the start of the flu season quickly approaching. In response, the governor has closed bars, breweries, taverns, and nightclubs in six counties – Johnson, Linn, Black Hawk, Dallas, Polk, and Story. The proclamation also calls for restaurants in those six counties to stop serving alcohol at 10 p.m. This will be in effect until September 20th. She called on peace officers statewide to enforce these measures.

People are also encouraged to social distance, especially at gatherings of more than 10 people.

Also, the state’s website will now be showing the results of antigen tests, which is a rapid test frequently done on site. This change is expected to show slight increases in positivity rates in 51 counties. Washington County Hospital and Clinics offers antigen tests. Reynolds encourages all Iowans over two-years-old to wear masks in public, but she has not issued a mandate to do so.

As of Thursday, Iowa’s had 59,496 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 1,080 deaths, and 45,378 people have recovered for a recovery rate of 76%.