State of Public Health Disaster Emergency Proclamation

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan effective at noon today.  The full text of the proclamation can be viewed here.  The proclamation issued by Governor Reynolds includes the following statement regarding restaurants and bars “All Restaurants and Bars are hereby closed to the general public except that to the extent permitted by applicable law, and in accordance with any recommendations of the Iowa Department of Public Health, food and beverages may be sold if such food or beverages are promptly taken from the premises, such as on a carry-out or drive-through basis, or if the food or beverage is delivered to customers off the premises.”

FUELIowa members have asked whether the term restaurant includes convenience store facilities. Based on conversations with Governor Reynolds staff, convenience stores where seating is available for customers to gather or dine should cease allowing customers to gather or dine inside the store.  As stated in the proclamation, food and beverages may continue to be sold at stores so long as the items are promptly taken from the premises for consumption off-site.  Please contact FUELIowa staff if you have additional questions.