Governor extends stay-home order
BOISE –– Gov. Brad Little announced on Wednesday morning to extend Idaho’s stay-home order through April 30.
Gov. Little expressed his admiration for the people of Idaho and how they have gone above and beyond to follow the current stay-home order, but lamented that a vaccine still does not exist and comprehensive therapies to treat COVID-19 are still being explored.
“Rebounding to an economic recovery will require consumer confidence. Without therapeutics to treat symptoms of coronavirus, without a vaccine, and without herd immunity, consumers want to know businesses will adhere to strict practices to assure their health and safety,” Gov. Little said. “We can expect to go through phases of loosening and tightening of these measures until we do. In the meantime, I will continue to push for expanded access to testing.”
There is some light in this tunnel however.
Formerly “non-essential” facilities and services under the order may offer curbside and delivery services between now and April 30.
Governor Little also said “non-essential” businesses should prepare to reopen after April 30 as long as they prepare operational plans over the next two weeks to maintain social distancing for staff and patrons; provide adequate sanitation and protective coverings for employees, vendors, and patrons; offer curbside and pickup delivery; limit number of people in business at a time; and direct flow of people in the operation.
This excludes some “non-essential” businesses where people simply cannot safely social distance, such as nightclubs, bars, and restaurants for dine-in, indoor gyms and recreational facilities, hair and nail salons, convention and entertainment centers, and public events and gatherings.
In addition, Governor Little’s amended order issued today requires out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine in Idaho for 14 days after entering. Those performing essential services or those who live in one state and work or gain essential services in another state are excluded.
Little also expressed his concerns over how this stay-home order has and will continue to affect the economy of Idaho.
“Idaho will be better positioned for a strong economic comeback because we are making difficult changes in how we live and work in the short-term,” Governor Little said. “The statewide stay-home order is working to flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus in Idaho, but the science tells us if you don’t time these measures right then we could worsen the outcome for citizens’ health and the economy weeks or months down the road.”
“Thank you Idaho for doing the right thing,” Little said. “We’ll continue to fight coronavirus together and I appreciate your widespread support of your neighbors and communities.”
Idaho had its first confirmed case on Friday, March 13, roughly one month later there are 1,164 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the Gem State.
Governor Little will once again evaluate the stay-home order at the end of April.
