The area COVID-19 numbers have been updated Friday. Bremer County has no new cases for a total of 51 but has reported another death for a total of 4 deaths. Black Hawk County has 1,195 total cases and 13 deaths according to the Iowa Department of Public Health and Black Hawk County Health Department reports 1,381, Fayette County has 21 cases now and Floyd County has its first confirmed case. The other area counties have no change.
The governor of Iowa Kim Reynolds updated the COVID-19 numbers. 740 new cases were reported for a total of 7,885 positive cases. 85% of the new cases were from the 22 counties that can’t reopen today; that figure was 98% just three days ago. 8 new deaths have been reported for a total of 170. As of now 1 in every 62 Iowans have been tested.
The governor also clarified that churches may meet beginning this weekend but many are choosing not. Those that are choosing to are being asked to follow special guidelines that the Iowa Department of Public Health has available on its website.
Black Hawk County Health Department is encouraging faith communities not to gather for the time being. The department posted on Facebook yesterday encouraging those communities to continue to meet virtually to slow the spread of the virus. Black Hawk County has been the hardest hit county in the state.
In Waverly pastor Jim Lee of Grace Baptist Church gave insight into how his church made their decision not to meet for the time being.