By OAN Newsroom
Iowa has imposed new restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 amid a spike in cases.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-Iowa) said people must wear masks at any social gathering with more than 25 people indoors or 100 people outdoors.
Groups attending these events cannot be larger than eight people unless theyâre from the same household. Events of over ten people must enforce social distancing.
While Reynolds stressed Iowa is open for business, the goal is to curb community spread to avoid overburdening the stateâs healthcare system.
âSurge plans are in place, and while beds are available for patient care, staffing them is become increasingly challenging as some health care workers may be sick, or in quarantine, or caring for other family members,â the Republican stated. âThe situation has the potential to impact any Iowan who may need care for any reason.â
Sunday's COVID-19 numbers for Iowa
*From Saturday 10 a.m. to Sunday 10 a.m.*
4,213 new cases
Total: 152,60413 new deaths
Total: 1,842992 hospitalized
100,712 recovered pic.twitter.com/plFUSkobBv
— Iowa Public Radio (@IowaPublicRadio) November 8, 2020
The order takes effect Saturday and comes as more than 1100 Iowans were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Tuesday morning.