Effective November 17, 2020, the Governor’s new proclamation imposes stronger social distancing and mask requirements throughout the state. Generally speaking, indoor gatherings of more than 15 people are prohibited, as are outdoor gatherings of more than 30 people. Anyone ages two and older must wear a mask when indoors in a space that is open to the public, and within six feet of someone who is not a member of their household for more than 15 minutes.
This proclamation does not prohibit schools from holding in-person classes, and the mask requirements do not apply to in-person classes. Thus, if a school district does not have a mask requirement, this proclamation does not require it to adopt one for normal school operations. However, schools which lease facilities to outside groups must enforce the rules relating to public spaces, including the mask mandate and the restrictions of 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.
In addition to these general requirements, the proclamation has specific rules on sporting events. Except for college, high school, and professional sports, all sporting or recreational events are prohibited. This prohibition includes middle school, elementary school, and privately-sponsored youth sporting or recreational events.
For sporting and recreational events that are not prohibited by this proclamation, such as high school sports, the number of spectators has been further limited. Regardless of whether the event is indoors or outdoors, there may be no more than two spectators for each athlete, performer, or competitor participating in the event. Each spectator ages two or older must wear a mask; however, the athletes, performers, or competitors are not required to wear a mask. The event organizer and spectators must ensure a physical distance of at least six feet between each group of spectators.
Click here for the full proclamation.
About Ahlers & Cooney's Client Alerts
Our Client Alerts are intended to provide occasional general comments on new developments in Federal and State law and regulations which we believe might be of interest to our clients. The Client Alerts should not be considered opinions of Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., and are not intended to provide legal advice as a substitute for seeking professional counsel. Readers should not under any circumstance act upon the information in this publication without seeking specific professional counsel. Ahlers & Cooney will be pleased to provide additional details regarding any article upon request. Additional copies of this Client Alert may be obtained by contacting any attorney in the Firm or by visiting the Firm's website at www.ahlerslaw.com. ©2020 Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. All Rights Reserved.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa. Memberships and offices in legal fraternities and legal societies, technical and professional licenses, and memberships in scientific, technical and professional associations and societies of law or field of practice does not mean that a lawyer is a specialist or expert in a field of law, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer. All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.