Iowa businesses will soon be allowed to serve more customers.

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday morning that the 50-percent capacity limits that are currently in place will be lifted, effective at 8 AM Friday. Bars, restaurants and theaters will still have to ensure that six-foot distances are maintained, and follow other practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Governor is also allowing swimming pools, senior centers and adult day care centers to reopen Friday, as along as they comply with the updated rules.

"Eliminating the capacity restrictions will allow businesses the flexibility to adjust their specific operations accordingly, to best meet the needs of their employees and customers," Reynolds said. "These changes are the result of the positive momentum that we're generating in Iowa. We must keep it going."

As noon Wednesday, the state's online dashboard showed 22,520 positive cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Iowa, along with 628 deaths. More than 13,500 individuals diagnosed with the coronavirus had recovered, and more than 202,000 people had been tested.

"We know that COVID-19 will remain in our communities for a while, but we also know what we can do to effectively mitigate, manage and contain it, while we safely and responsibly move forward with life," Reynolds said.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From K92.3