Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa leaders said last Sunday they will halt the current legislative session for at least 30 days after learning the state now has community spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the spreading coronavirus.

Colin Tadlock, the spokesman for House Republicans, said in a statement that the leaders made the decision after consulting with the Iowa Department of Public Health and Gov. Kim Reynolds. The move was based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention related to mass gatherings to protect vulnerable populations.

Reynolds announced last Saturday that Iowa is now seeing the virus circulate among individuals and increased efforts are needed to slow the spread. That includes halting large public gatherings and encouraging people to reduce public interaction, a strategy known as social distancing. Her spokesman, Pat Garrett, said Sunday she supports the Legislature’s decision.

Iowa has a central Iowa patient not related to travel or a known contact with an infected person.

The House and Senate convened Monday to consider resolutions regarding continuity of government to ensure delivery of essential government services.

All scheduled events, tours and receptions at the state Capitol have been canceled.