Shoshone County joins other counties in declaring state of emergency

While there are no reported cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in North Idaho, both state and local agencies are already taking steps to limit the virus’ spread and ensure that resources are available to handle such an event.

The Shoshone County Board of County Commissioners announced Monday afternoon that they would be following the lead of Idaho Gov. Brad Little and other Idaho counties by declaring a state of emergency outlined in Idaho Code § 46-1011 and all relevant sections of Idaho Code.

“The county views its leadership role in times like this as being very crucial,” said BOCC Chairman Mike Fitzgerald. “We are taking necessary, early and aggressive action against the virus.”

Specifically, Fitzgerald added, Shoshone County is implementing measures that are recommended by health organizations to slow the spread of the virus and to reduce the number of people who would ultimately get sick.

There are no known suspected cases of COVID-19 within Shoshone County as of Monday, but this emergency declaration allows county officials and related emergency personnel to activate additional resources and communication measures to ensure the public is regularly informed.

“In doing so, it emphasizes the risks that the virus presents and urges persons to take precautions if they have reason to believe they were infected,” Fitzgerald said.

A news release on Monday from the county states that an emergency action plan is being implemented in order to minimize non-essential government functions and in-person interaction among the county departments. Based upon the emergency action plan, the following non-essential county services will be suspended until further notice:

• Driver’s Licensing and Motor Vehicle Services (in-person)

• Notaries Public

• Jail visitation

• Jury duty

Elected officials plan to meet regularly to monitor the situation and discuss emergency plan implementation measures as the matter develops.

Anyone who meets high risk criteria pursuant to the recommendations of Panhandle Health District and the CDC will have limited access to the Shoshone County Courthouse and related public buildings. See the News-Press story regarding school/business closures in the Silver Valley for more information on PHD recommendations.

Members of the public are encouraged to use telephone or other electronic communications to contact county offices.

The county will take all necessary steps to assist in providing options for the public to deliver documents and address other matters that require in-person processing. This and other information will be published on the Shoshone County website at www.shoshonecounty.id.gov and additional notifications will be made as the situation changes.

As of Monday, these precautionary measures are being implemented through April 10.