As of noon Tuesday, new restrictions have been implemented in regards to restaurants, bars, fitness centers, theaters, mass gatherings and senior citizen centers following Governor Kim Reynolds issuance of a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency over the COVID-19 outbreak. Director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Hannah Vander Veer tells KNIA/KRLS News residents can continue to support local businesses despite all the restrictions by purchasing gift cards. She says the business will get the money now and the customer can use the card later when the restrictions are lifted. Vander Veer also says people can also order delivery or carry out meals, keep memberships or subscriptions to local businesses, and shop local businesses online. 

Knoxville Hy-Vee Store Director Kelly Kayser tells KNIA/KRLS News Hy-Vee has adapted to the restrictions by closing all sit down restaurants. She says Hy-Vee is still open and serving hot food with their meals to go program and people can get their meals to go, as many as they want, whenever they want as long as Hy-Vee is open. According to Kayser, the Knoxville, Pella and Indianola Hy-Vee locations will also have restricted hours starting tomorrow and until further notice, as the stores will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day. 

Fareway stores have added an hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for senior citizens and those who have compromised immune systems to shop before the general public as well, and will close at 7 p.m. Monday through Saturdays.

Dollar General stores are strongly encouraging their first hour of operations to be dedicated to senior shoppers. Additionally, all stores will close an hour earlier in order for employees to clean, restock shelves, as well as for their health and wellbeing.

Many area restaurants remain open with carryout, drive-through, or delivery services.