DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa on Friday reported more than 800 new coronavirus cases, an indication the virus continues to spread as the state pushes forward with a demand that local school districts resume in-person classes.
The Iowa Department of Public Health daily count shows 54,653 positive cases, an increase of 823 in the past 24 hours. Five additional deaths bring the state total to 1,017.
Many school districts begin classes next week, although some have delayed the start to later this month or early September.
The requirement that districts begin schools with children in classrooms has prompted the state teacher’s union and Iowa City school district officials to sue Gov. Kim Reynolds and the state’s top education official to block enforcement of the return-to-school mandate. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 3.
Reynolds acknowledged Thursday the virus was spreading, hospitalizations are increasing and nursing home outbreaks are on the rise.
Reynolds has said that schools with a 15% positivity rate can seek a waiver to start the year online. Otherwise, districts must offer at least 50% in-person instruction. Parents also may choose individually to enroll their children in online-only options.
The World Health Organization recommends a 5% positivity rate or lower threshold for relaxation of mitigation efforts to slow the virus. State records show that districts in 69 Iowa counties are above that level.
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