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PM NEWS 3.30.20: Tri-State COVID Update, IA Abortion Lawsuit and Unemployment Help

Today, health officials say COVID-19 has claimed the lives of two more Iowans, for a total of six deaths during the pandemic.

There are 88 more positive tests for a total of 424.  Three of the new cases are in Monona County for a dozen in northwest Iowa.

Gov. Kim Reynolds says the shortage of personal protective gear, or PPE continues to be one of the state’s biggest challenges . 

At a news conference this afternoon, Gov. Reynolds said the Iowa National Guard and other state agencies have so far made 153 equipment deliveries to all 99 of the state’s counties. 

Woodbury County received a shipment on Sunday.

South Dakota health officials report 101 confirmed cases of COVID-19, more than doubling the number of cases since Thursday.

The South Dakota Department of Health says there are 11 new, confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The state health lab has also cleared a backlog of tests.

Between the state lab and commercial labs, over 3,400 people have been tested.

Gov. Kristi Noem doesn't expect the number of infections to peak until at least May.

In Nebraska there are now 145 cases with half being seen in the Omaha area.

The ACLU of Iowa and Planned Parenthood have filed a lawsuit challenging Governor Kim Reynolds’ statement that the state’s temporary ban on non-essential medical procedures includes surgical abortion.

Reynolds says it’s needed to preserve personal protective equipment to care for patients with COVID-19.

But Planned Parenthood and the ACLU are asking a judge to block enforcement of the order because they say it’s effectively a ban on abortion after 11 weeks. Iowa law currently bans abortion after 20 weeks, and an attempt to go further was struck down by the Iowa Supreme Court. 

The plaintiffs say abortion can’t be delayed without risking the health and safety of women. And this prohibition could result in some women being denied access to abortion altogether.

Reynolds’ proclamation is in effect through April 16th, but she could extend it.

Iowa Workforce Development announced Monday that Iowans will no longer have to use all paid leave before being eligible for unemployment benefits.

The new policy takes effect Monday and is not retroactive.

Officials say the enactment of the CARES Act has provided a significant source of additional funding for claimants, and the new policy change reflects the evolving situation.

The deadline for small businesses to apply for a special relief grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority is tomorrow at noon.

“Our phones have been pretty active down at the Siouxland Chamber of Chamber of Commerce with small businesses asking for assistance for filling out the applications.”

That’s Brad Newton, the Director of Economic Development & Workforce Solutions at The Siouxland Initiative.

Newton says more than 70% of the Chamber’s membership is businesses with a dozen employees or less and now is the time to rally behind them.

“We can go out and buy gift cards from those businesses at this time to put cash in their hands and bank account.”

Small businesses with two to 25 employees can potentially receive grants from $5,000 to $25,000 to offset losses.

A Vermillion distillery is among those that have reshaped their usual business plan to meet the needs of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Valiant Vineyards Winery & Distillery has turned its focus away from producing award-winning whiskey and their wine to producing sanitizer and sanitary wipes. 

The CEO of the vineyard says the new products make little to no profit for his company, but they will continue to produce them as long as they are needed.

And, tonight a special webinar will take place with the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Usually the organization hosts its months education series at the Sioux City Public library but it’s moving online instead. 

March’s program is on the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. 

To register visit communityresourcefinder.org.  The link will also provide information on a support group that will be help by telephone.