Iowa City, Iowa – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday expanded business closures to include malls, bowling alleys and playgrounds and instructed police to enforce her order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people as the coronavirus pandemic intensified across the state.

Outbreaks of the virus were confirmed at two more Iowa nursing homes and a major meat processing plant was temporarily closed after scores of workers were infected.

Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens said the governor was issuing guidance this week to police officers to enforce her orders limiting non-essential public gatherings. He said violators would first be educated and warned, but they could also be charged with simple misdemeanors for noncompliance.

“Law enforcement has no desire to cite or arrest anyone. Most Iowans are being responsible and doing their part. It is only a small segment that is throwing caution to the wind and ignoring the limitations on social gatherings,” he said.

The more aggressive moves come after Reynolds faced intense criticism in recent days for refusing to order a statewide stay-at-home order and as the number of cases in Iowa continues to grow.