Initiate Stage 4

BOISE — Those with loved ones residing in senior living facilities will soon be able to see them in person, as the state transfers into the final stage of Gov. Brad Little’s four-phase Idaho Rebounds recovery plan.

Gov. Little announced Thursday that the state narrowly met criteria to enter the final stage, which will take effect on Saturday.

“Health and the economy are linked. Our economic rebound cannot occur without sufficient health care capacity, a healthy population, and consumer and employee confidence. The most effective way to achieve a strong rebound and keep Idaho open is for all of us to step up our personal actions to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors and preserve the sacrifices we all made to get us here,” Little said.

Public health experts established specific epidemiologic, syndromic and health care criteria for Idaho to meet before advancing through the staged Idaho Rebounds plan. Idaho did meet the criteria to advance to the final stage, but came close to falling short in two of the three criteria areas. Factors that worked against Stage 4 being implemented included a bump in cases reported in early June (including several health care workers who contracted COVID-19) and the number of people seen in the emergency room with COVID-19-like symptoms declined only barely.

Idaho is currently the third fastest state in the United States in terms of re-opening, likely due to the notable drop in the rate of new COVID-19 cases since the beginning of June; in total, the virus has infected more than 3,200 Idahoans and been responsible for 85 deaths.

While Shoshone and Boundary counties officially remain COVID-19 free (even though it’s likely that a resident contracted the virus and simply went undiagnosed), the state has noticed that confirmed cases in rural areas are on the rise.

As of Thursday, the Panhandle Health District reports that there have been a total of 120 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Panhandle area; 26 of which are active. Of those total cases, 94 have been from Kootenai County, 10 from Benewah and seven from Bonner — nine cases are still being researched to determine county of residence.

In addition to the opening of nursing homes to the families, the implementation of Stage 4 also relaxes regulations on nightclubs, libraries and gatherings of more than 50 people.

While Shoshone County doesn’t boast any places that identify as nightclubs, this basically allows the local bars the freedom to begin hosting live music and allow dancing. Upping the number of folks allowed at a gathering should bode well for the summer wedding season, as well as many of the late summer events across the state.

Arguably, the biggest change will be regarding nursing homes and their ability to allow visitors. Allowing families to visit their loved ones is huge, but the facilities are also one of the most at-risk for viral spread.

Nursing homes have been on the strictest of lockdowns since Gov. Little kicked off the statewide stay-home order in March.

Despite having the governor’s permission, some facilities may elect to remain closed off from visitors as a continued precaution.

Mountain Valley of Cascadia, Kellogg’s skilled nursing facility, is still putting their plan together and likely won’t have it ready until next week.

“We are currently developing a reopening/visitor plan for Mountain Valley of Cascadia. It’s complex, as I’m certain you can imagine, as we focus singularly on the safety of our residents and our staff,” said Mountain Valley CEO Emilee Kulin. “We’re also navigating federal and state guidelines, and will ultimately implement a plan that works specifically for our community.”

While these facilities are preparing their plans, people looking to visit any of them should plan for taking strict precautions, such as wearing masks, frequently and thorough handwashing, and — most importantly, staying home if you are feeling ill in any way.

As for local libraries, Pinehurst Public Library Manager Brenda Ludwick is excited to have the doors open again.

“The Pinehurst library team looks forward to seeing our members,” she said. “Books, materials and programs are a functional part of a library, but it is the members that make our library special.”

As of June 15, operating hours will be back to normal. The Bookmobile will resume its regularly scheduled stops, and the Discovery Bus will begin scheduling activities. However, while doors are open, typical measures will be taken to protect the staff and library visitor’s health.

Computers will be spaced 6 feet apart and study room capacity will be limited. Meeting rooms and donation areas will remain closed for now. Self-service curbside is not mandatory but will be available upon request. Staff will wear masks and they encourage visitors to do the same.

Entering Stage 4 still means the transmission of the virus still needs to be mitigated. The most effective way to mitigate the spread of the virus is through our personal actions, including:

• Practice physical distancing (keep 6 feet of distance from others outside your household).

• Wash or sanitize hands and surfaces regularly.

• Wear protective face coverings in public, to the extent possible.

• Stay home if you’re sick.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

For specific Stage 4 protocols, visit www.rebound.idaho.gov/business-specific-protocols-for-opening.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call the PHD hotline at 1-877-415-5225 to be assessed for a COVID-19 test.

For more details on the cases in our area, visit www.panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19.