Hawkeye Reporter

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently defended her decision to begin reopening the state’s economy amid COVID-19.

“We were able to flatten the curve and mitigate the impact on our healthcare resources and not overwhelm health care facilities,” Reynolds said in a press conference, as reported by WQAD. “I think it makes sense to start to loosen up in places that have seen little to no virus activity.”

While Iowa just experienced the highest number of deaths related to the coronavirus in a single date, Reynolds said the majority of new cases are contained within 22 counties that still have restrictions in place. Reynolds explained that the process of reopening the state is being done gradually.

“I didn't just rip the band aid off or flip the light switch,” she said. “We are doing it at a reasonable phase in approach.”

According to the Des Moines Register, Reynolds has already allowed farmers’ markets to reopen in a limited capacity, and is now enabling hospitals and medical facilities to resume performing elective surgeries. CBS 2 Iowa reports other businesses opening this week are campgrounds, dental services, fitness centers, gyms, malls and tanning facilities.