• There was a 26% increase in positive cases today with 88 more Iowans diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total up to 424. Another 2 Iowans passed away yesterday bringing the total to 6 so far.
  • Employees laid off due COVID-19 will no longer be required to use all paid leave prior to being eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Prior to the change, employees were required to exhaust all benefits before claiming unemployment. The change is not retroactive and will apply to claims made after March 29, 2020.
  • The CARES Act also expanded the group of people eligible for unemployment benefits to include the self-employed, independent contractors, nonprofit employees as well as extend unemployment by 13 weeks, making eligible those who had previously exhausted benefits.
  • To apply or get more information, click here: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/ui-extension-information

Helpful Links With More Information

For the latest updates from the Iowa Governor’s office on COVID-19: https://coronavirus.iowa.gov 

For the latest updates on coronavirus and to learn more about prevention efforts, go to the Iowa Dept. of Public Health at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus

For Iowans with questions about COVID-19, a public hotline is open 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431

Click below for continuous updates on Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions  created by the Iowa House Democratic Research Staff:  https://bit.ly/2UjkO80

Criteria for getting tested for COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html

For updates related to child care, child welfare, Medicaid, and social workers, go to the Dept. of Human Services page at  https://dhs.iowa.gov/COVID19

For businesses, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is compiling resources available (including grants) at www.iowabusinessrecovery.com 

For workers displaced due to coronavirus, unemployment benefits may be available in 7-10 days from filing. Click here to apply: 

https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/file-claim-unemployment-insurance-benefits

State officials launched a new website to connect healthy Iowans who want to volunteer in their communities with nonprofits: http://volunteeriowa.galaxydigital.com/