Kim Reynolds defends reopening process despite report warning of 'second wave' of coronavirus infections

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday defended her decision to loosen some restrictions on businesses and religious gatherings in Iowa despite a warning from researchers at the University of Iowa that doing so could lead to a second wave of cases.

On Tuesday, the governor's office released a report it received last week from University of Iowa experts who warned against easing restrictions early. "Prevention measures should remain in place," the report said. "Without such measures being continued, a second wave of infections is likely."

Despite those warnings, Reynolds announced Monday she would relax restrictions on businesses like restaurants, fitness centers and malls in 77 of Iowa's 99 counties. Those changes take effect May 1. Reynolds said she's confident that business owners will be responsible in starting to reopen.

► More:The latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Iowa

Calling the UI model "a snapshot in time," Reynolds said Wednesday the state's increased testing capacity and mitigation efforts have flattened Iowa's curve of infections and prevented the state's health care system from being overwhelmed.

"We’re really able to look at things on a case-by-case, real-time basis," she said. "And so I think it makes sense to start to loosen up in areas that have seen little to no virus activity and to do it in a responsible manner.

"It’s not sustainable for us to continue to lock the state down."

Reynolds cited her move to begin allowing elective medical procedures as an example of her targeted approach. She said she spoke with leaders at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics who convinced her they could responsibly take on those procedures and still have the capacity to treat those infected with the coronavirus.

"So that is how we're going to manage COVID-19 going forward," Reynolds said. "I didn't just rip the Band-Aid off or flip the light switch. We're doing it in a reasonable phased-in approach."

► More Tuesday:University of Iowa researchers warn 'a second wave of infections is likely' if COVID-19 prevention efforts are lifted

► More Wednesday:Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowans can go back to church. Hers won't be among those meeting in-person.

Reynolds said the state would monitor outbreak "hot spots" like Woodbury County, which the New York Times identified as the fifth-worst outbreak in the country, relative to population. If that outbreak begins to "overflow" into the surrounding counties as people travel, she said, the state can take steps to increase testing and contact tracing to contain it.

Reynolds said that vulnerable Iowans should continue to remain at home as much as possible, and that everyone should act responsibly.

But even as Reynolds lifts many of the restrictions put in place to tamp down the spread of the disease, cases continue to mount.

Iowa reported 12 new deaths as a result of COVID-19 on Wednesday — the most reported by the state in a single day — for a total of 148 deaths. The state also reported 467 new COVID-19 cases for a statewide total of 6,843.

► More:Updated COVID-19 maps and charts track cases and data in Iowa and across the U.S.

Of the newly reported cases, 141 were in Black Hawk County, where Waterloo's Tyson Foods pork processing plant is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. The facility indefinitely suspended operations last week and is offering COVID-19 testing to all of its 2,800 employees at the plant.

It's one of multiple plants in Iowa and across the country that have suspended operations because of virus outbreaks among workers. The closures have disrupted the nation's food supply chain and put pressure on Iowa's pork and poultry producers.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump ordered beef, pork and poultry processing plants to remain open despite some safety concerns.

Citing his authority under the Defense Production Act, Trump declared in an executive order that "it is important that processors of beef, pork and poultry ('meat and poultry') in the food supply chain continue operating and fulfilling orders to ensure a continued supply of protein for Americans."

Critics said the forced openings threaten the safety of workers who remain vulnerable to the disease.

The Iowa Department of Workforce Development issued new guidance this week, telling furloughed Iowans that they will lose their unemployment benefits if they do not return to work when their employer calls them back. It includes exceptions for those who are diagnosed with COVID-19, but it does not provide the same exemptions for those who are at higher risk of developing the disease.

Reynolds said that providing adequate personal protective equipment for workers and continued testing will help ensure the facilities can operate safely.

"We've tried to be a partner throughout this entire COVID pandemic, working with our processing plants, because it is critical infrastructure and they are essential workers," she said. "And we need to make sure that we can keep them up and running to keep the nation's food supply flowing."

Trump also told reporters he would seek to shield meat plants from legal liability if they are sued by employees who contract coronavirus while on the job, USA TODAY reported. While Trump only mentioned Tyson Foods specifically, he suggested his plan would protect other businesses from liability, as well.

Nationally, 22 pork, chicken or beef plants have closed at some point since the public health emergency began. About 25% of pork and 10% of beef processing is offline, experts estimate.

► More:Trump orders meat plants to stay open during COVID-19 pandemic

Brianne Pfannenstiel is Chief Politics Reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach him at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or 515-284-8169. Support reporters who follow your government by becoming a subscriber. Sign up at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.