Is Iowa Actually That Loose on COVID-19 Restrictions?

Here in NE Iowa, numerous summer events have been scrapped due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That said, it does feel as though our level of restriction is, overall, fairly low. Yesterday, additional restrictions were also lifted (these take effect Friday morning). With neighboring states like Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin once having shelter in place orders while we did not, how does Iowa currently stack up to our fellow states in terms of restrictions?

According to a new WalletHub study, we're not even in the top 10 for states with restrictions. But we're close at #11. And, we've actually dropped a spot in recent weeks, meaning we now have more restrictions then prior (as compared to other states).

The metrics used to determine are:

• Requirement to Wear a Face Mask in Public (Iowa does not require masks)
• Travel Restrictions
• Large Gatherings Restrictions
• Statewide School Restart
• Reopening of Restaurants and Bars
• State Guidance on Customer Health Checks at Restaurants
• Reopening of Non-Essential Businesses
• Workplace Temperature Screening
• Child Care Programs Reopening
• Guidance for Assisted Living Facilities Related to COVID-19

There's a few others, too but as you can likely tell if you've been following Gov. Reynolds restrictions, or lack thereof, Iowa's pretty laid back on many of these.

By the way, the state with the fewest COVID-19 restrictions is South Dakota. The state with the most is New Hampshire. You can see the full list of states, including District of Columbia, here.