Update: On Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, the Governor extended the closure of bars in Johnson County until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. The original order had been extended until Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, and has been extended once again. 

The latest order extending the closure can be found at the Governor's website. 

Issued: Aug. 27, 2020 

The Governor announced that the State would again close bars in Johnson County due to the surge in COVID-19 cases within the area.

The closures are effective at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, and will remain in place until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020.

The new proclamation closes all bars, taverns, wineries, breweries, distilleries, night clubs, and other establishments that sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on their premises. Options for carry-out, drive-thru, or delivery are still available for those businesses that meet the Governor's requirements. 

Additionally, restaurants will not be able to serve alcohol after 10 p.m. To read the full order, visit the Governor's website.

The entire County, including the City of Iowa City, currently has a face covering mandate, requiring people to wear face coverings that cover the mouth and nose when entering into any public space, such as grocery stores or restaurants. The mandate also includes going outside when a social distance of six feet is not able to be maintained. 

For all Iowa City COVID-19 news updates and resources, visit icgov.org/Coronavirus. Also follow or use the hashtag #MaskUpIC on all social media platforms.