Law enforcement across the state will get involved when Iowans refuse to follow Gov. Kim Reynolds’ rules on business closures and social gathering limits.On Monday, the governor announced additional business closures as the state’s COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow. Reynolds also ordered that social gatherings be limited to 10 people or less.Anyone who refuses to limit social gatherings could face charges. Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens joined Reynolds during her Monday news conference to explain how law enforcement will handle violations.“Violation of these orders could result in the filing of simple misdemeanor charges,” Bayens said.Citations come with a fine up to $250.West Des Moines police, along with police agencies across the metro, told KCCI that they urge gatherings of more than 10 people to break up and go home before making arrests.“We really want people to comply,” West Des Moines police Sgt. Jason Bryan said. “We don’t want to go out and necessarily be in a position where writing case investigations where people are going to get charged.”The Department of Public Safety said most Iowans are following the rules except for a small segment of people.“That small segment however can have an enormous impact to public health,” Bayens said.The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it does not want to make arrests unless someone repeatedly continues to disobey the rules.
Law enforcement across the state will get involved when Iowans refuse to follow Gov. Kim Reynolds’ rules on business closures and social gathering limits.
On Monday, the governor announced additional business closures as the state’s COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow. Reynolds also ordered that social gatherings be limited to 10 people or less.
Anyone who refuses to limit social gatherings could face charges.
Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens joined Reynolds during her Monday news conference to explain how law enforcement will handle violations.
“Violation of these orders could result in the filing of simple misdemeanor charges,” Bayens said.
Citations come with a fine up to $250.
West Des Moines police, along with police agencies across the metro, told KCCI that they urge gatherings of more than 10 people to break up and go home before making arrests.
“We really want people to comply,” West Des Moines police Sgt. Jason Bryan said. “We don’t want to go out and necessarily be in a position where writing case investigations where people are going to get charged.”
The Department of Public Safety said most Iowans are following the rules except for a small segment of people.
“That small segment however can have an enormous impact to public health,” Bayens said.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it does not want to make arrests unless someone repeatedly continues to disobey the rules.
