Progress Iowa today delivered the signatures of more than two thousand Iowans calling on Governor Kim Reynolds to issue a shelter in place order for the state of Iowa in an effort to limit the number of COVID-19 cases across the state and country. Just last night, President Trump’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said he doesn’t understand why every state hasn’t issued this kind of order, and on Friday morning the Iowa Board of Medicine voted unanimously to recommend a shelter in place order.
“We watch every day while state after state takes serious action and our Governor waits,” said Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa. “This goes beyond politics, it’s about protecting our health and safety. The thousands who have signed our petition, Republican and Democratic officials, along with health care professionals from Iowa to the Trump administration are calling for action. It is past time for Governor Reynolds to issue a shelter in place order in the state of Iowa. Every day she delays will mean more Iowans with COVID-19 and even more who can’t go to their doctor or the hospital because our health care system will be stretched beyond its limits.”
Health care professionals, legislative leaders, and local Republican and Democratic officials in Iowa have called for the Governor to issue a statewide order. As pressure mounts for the Governor to issue a shelter in place order, 2,313 have signed the Progress Iowa petition, including 2,258 Iowans. Click here to view the petition online, which reads as follows:
“In these uncertain times, Iowans need bold action from our governor. Kim Reynolds must issue a shelter-in-place order for the safety of all Iowans. We must get ahead of this outbreak and ensure that our clinics and hospitals are not overwhelmed. Lives are at stake and we need sweeping action to stop the spread of this pandemic immediately.”
In addition to the thousands of petition signatures, those who signed were given the option of leaving a comment for the Governor. The names, home towns, and all comments have been delivered to the Governor’s office and will be made available to the media upon request.
Iowans from all backgrounds are pleading with the Governor to take action to protect our state’s health and safety:
“The time is now, Governor Reynolds, to issue a “shelter-in-place” order of all Iowans! We must give our medical people time to get all the things they need to treat people with the virus!” – Carolyn, Des Moines, Iowa
“My and my husband’s lives are at stake from carriers who are still out and about! We are seniors with pre-existing conditions!” – Ellen, Colfax, Iowa
“I’m a nurse practitioner in an urgent care setting. We are nearly out of PPE. Help us help Iowans.” – Emily, Hudson, Iowa
“I can not see my daughter, who has Cystic Fibrosis, because of my work staying open and me being exposed daily. This needs to stop. There needs to be an order now.” – Eva, West Des Moines, Iowa
“I am a nurse and my husband is a detective here in Iowa. Delaying the stay at home order is not only putting the two of us at risk but also our two young children! The longer this is delayed the worst things will get.” – Sarha, Muscatine, Iowa
“As a former nurse, deeply aware of the importance of prevention and public health, it is of utmost urgency to shelter in place now. We have already lost precious time to flatten the curve and to somehow impede the spread as much as we can.” – Sheryl, Council Bluffs, Iowa
“Please order a shelter in place order. Iowa’s Covid-19 rate is growing and insufficient testing is unacceptable all over the U. S. The UIHC is a tertiary hospital I know, but it will have its limits tested. My husband’s workplace isn’t shut down and it’s bringing customers from all over the country, the latest being San Francisco.” – Deborah, Iowa City, Iowa
