Iowa Capitol closed to public through at least March 31

By: Perry Beeman - March 18, 2020 4:47 pm

The Iowa State Capitol (Photo by Perry Beeman/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The Iowa Capitol closed to the public Wednesday and will be off limits until at least March 31 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, legislative staffers announced.

Gov. Kim Reynolds declared an emergency Tuesday, closing bars, fitness centers, churches, theaters, casinos, and senior centers and limiting restaurants to takeout and delivery service.

A spokesman said House and Senate leaders will meet March 31 to discuss whether to reopen the Capitol.

Reynolds has banned public gatherings of more than 10 people to help contain the virus. Many elementary and secondary schools have canceled classes and the three public universities plan to hold classes online.

Crews are expected to begin deep-cleaning the Capitol this week.

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