• There were 125 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total up to 1,270. There were two additional deaths, bringing the total to 29, and 122 Iowans are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19. Cases have been reported in 79 Iowa counties.
  • Another 67,334 workers filed for unemployment in Iowa last week, the largest number in state history. It’s the third straight week of record setting unemployment claims.
     
  • Nationally, 6.6 million people filed initial claims for unemployment last week. Over the last three weeks, 16.8 million American workers, roughly 10% of the workforce, have filed for unemployment benefits after losing their job. This level of job loss is unprecedented. During the previous economic recession in the late 2000’s, 8.6 million people lost their jobs over two years.
     
  • To file for unemployment, individuals should visit  https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/file-claim-unemployment-insurance-benefits

Helpful Links With More Information

A summary of federal COVID-19 legislation and its impact on Iowans is available here: https://tinyurl.com/sg2hluc

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

Iowans who are healthy and want to volunteer in their community can find opportunities here: http://volunteeriowa.galaxydigital.com/

For the latest updates from the State of Iowa on COVID-19: https://coronavirus.iowa.gov 

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