Gov. Little issues statewide "Stay-Home" order

BOISE –– On Wednesday afternoon, Idaho Governor Brad Little issued a statewide, 21-day stay at home order, effective today.

“From the get-go, our focus has been to slow the spread of coronavirus to protect our most vulnerable citizens and preserve capacity in our healthcare system,” Governor Little said. “And from the beginning, I stated my commitment to making decisions about our response to coronavirus based on science. With confirmed community transmission of coronavirus now occurring in Idaho’s most populated areas, we need to take strong measures to ensure our healthcare facilities are not overburdened. I am following the guidance of our public health experts and issuing a statewide stay-home order effective immediately.”

The stay-home order requires citizens to self-isolate at home if you can, not just if you are sick and excludes places such as grocery stores, medical facilities, and convenience stores.

Restaurants must close their dine-in areas, but drive-thru, pick up, and delivery are still available options.

The order also states that non-essential businesses must close for the time being.

Those non-essential businesses include, but are not limited to: Bars, nightclubs, gyms, recreational facilities, entertainment venues, convention centers, and hair and nail salons.

People must limit all non-essential gatherings of any number of individuals outside the household. When you go for a walk, run, bike ride, or other outdoor recreation near your home, stay 6-feet away from individuals who are not part of your household.

“Our healthcare and public safety workers are putting themselves in harm’s way to respond to the coronavirus emergency, and we owe it to them to do our part by following this statewide stay-home order,” Governor Little said.

The statewide stay-home order is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 21 days. Governor Little and public health officials will evaluate later whether to extend the order past 21 days.

Little also signed an extreme emergency declaration, which gives the state the authority to more effectively increase health care capacity.

“We will get through this together as long as we all play an active part in fighting the spread of coronavirus. I am proud of Idaho and the way we support and love our neighbors. Let’s keep it up,” Governor Little said.

The statewide stay-home order is being finalized with public health, local officials, and business today and will be available later today at www.coronavirus.idaho.gov.

The Shoshone News-Press will continue to update this story.