We Are Still in a Pandemic
COVID-19 is spreading, and a lot of people are out there shopping and dining without masks on — and apparently without any fears.
Before we get into the wild Iowa coronavirus news this week . . .
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Y’all, Iowa is Trippin’
Don’t let the headlines fool you. Don’t let people dining in restaurants downing all those carbs tempt you. Don’t let the lure of a fresh haircut, dye job or a new lace front manipulate you.
COVID-19 is still putting people in the ground and in urns at alarming rates.
More than 16,000 Iowans have tested positive for the virus, and 441 people have died so far. Even so, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has moved forward with reopening businesses. According to The Washington Post, Iowa is among 24 states where the virus is still spreading at “epidemic rates.”
Here’s What is Open as of May 22
Movie theaters, zoos, aquariums, museums and wedding reception venues can reopen.
Swimming pools can reopen for lap swimming and swimming lessons.
Summer school activities, including baseball and softball, can resume on June 1.
Bars can reopen on May 28.
So Much Happened This Week, Iowa
The state upgraded its coronavirus website and then faced concerns that data is obscured or missing. Other states also face scrutiny about their COVID-19 data, including Florida.
The Iowa website began sharing Serology testing data, which looks for the COVID-19 antibody. Waterloo has the most positive results.
The state closed its COVID-19 testing site in Sioux City, home of a meat processing plant outbreak.
Iowa inmates earn a paltry amount of money making COVID-19 masks, gowns and other supplies.
Any Iowan who wants a COVID-19 test is supposed to be able to get one. Allegedly.
Risk Factors
See what factor can double your chances of dying from COVID-19.
How is the Pandemic Affecting You?
Are fears of COVID-19 keeping you up at night? Are you worried about being on the front lines or going back to work? Are you concerned about businesses reopening? Are the people around you practicing social distancing? Are you hurting financially? We want to add your voices to this newsletter. Email us at blackiowanews@icloud.com. 💌
COVID-19’s Snatching Dollars
Unemployment
Iowa’s unemployment rate was 10.2 percent in April. The national unemployment rate was 14.7 percent, and the national unemployment rate for blacks is 16.7 percent, according to figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pay Attention to Eviction and Disconnect Notices
The Iowa Utilities Board issued an order that residential electric and gas disconnections can resume. Those in quarantine for COVID-19 won’t be disconnected, however. Read more about it.
The eviction moratorium is also slated to end June 15. No word yet on any extensions.
Surcharge 💳
Meat prices are up, and some restaurants are transferring those and other COVID-19-related costs to consumers through a surcharge. Have you experienced that in Iowa? Let us know at blackiowanews@icloud.com.
Black COVID-19 News Across the US
Racist Cowards Show Out in Iowa
Police said white strangers beat a black Des Moines man and yelled racial epithets. #DarQuanJones still doesn’t know who they were. No arrests have been made. The Des Moines Branch of the NAACP issued a warning to black folks and wants the crime to be investigated as a hate crime. 🤬
A white woman who tried to play the “mentally ill card” was found competent to stand trial for the hit-and-runs of black boy and Hispanic girl.
How Iowa Stacks Up to Border States
Each state has its own approach to COVID-19. Here are two.
Minneapolis Mayor Requires Masks inside certain places
Shocking Minnesota Plan
Recent Stories by Black Iowa News
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and subscribe to Black Iowa News. I’m producing this newsletter because more than ever, we need to be informed. It’s life and death out here — even though some headlines and proclamations would have you believe otherwise. Please share widely with your friends and family and please subscribe. Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend — and mask up. 💙
— Dana James, editor
Thanks Dana for keeping us informed. I look forward to future stories about how many people have COVID-19 with the reopening of business in Iowa and Minnesota. Good luck to people that want to rush back to their normal life. Some people are just trying to stay alive.