Initiate Stage 3
Photo by JOSH McDONALD The Kellogg Public Swimming Pool sits empty for now. But with the governor’s permission as part of his Stage 3 Rebound Idaho Plan, the pool will soon be filled up and full of happy swimmers.
Correction: Rod Plank's title with the city of Kellogg has been corrected to City Project Manager.
BOISE — Movie goers, pool swimmers, and bar flies — rejoice. Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced Thursday that he is authorizing Stage 3 of his Rebound Idaho plan, which is set to begin Saturday.
Originally when the Rebound Idaho plan was announced in late April, the only establishments that were set to open in Stage 3 were water attractions such as outdoor swimming pools, splash parks and water parks.
After hearing feedback from citizens though, it was announced two weeks ago at the beginning of Stage 2 that bars, breweries, wineries and distilleries would be bumped from Stage 4 to Stage 3. As of May 28, movie theaters (originally slated for Stage 4) are also taking the shortcut to Stage 3 along with watering holes across the state.
Despite restrictions being lifted early, not every bar and pool in the Silver Valley will be taking advantage of the new opportunity.
While some bars, such as the landmark Dirty Dog Saloon in Kellogg, plan to open their doors as soon as possible; others plan to take their time with getting back into action.
One such establishment is Wallace’s iconic Silver Corner Bar. Co-owner Jocelyn Bachman explains that “while moving into stage three this weekend is an exciting step forward, we have decided to delay our opening out of an abundance of caution for our community and guests. We are sticking to our original timeline of reopening in mid-June when, in Stage 4, we are more able to comply with guidelines for reopening.”
Under Stage 3, the protocols for operating a drinking establishment without food are a bit more stringent compared to Stage 4.
As for pools, not all Silver Valley swimming holes will be flipping on the open sign as early as they can.
The CDC has stated that there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread directly to humans from water in pools, hot tubs or spas, or water play areas.
The Mullan Pool, inside the Mullan Pavilion, could have reopened at the beginning of Stage 2, but elected to wait until Stage 3 so they wouldn’t be operating despite their schools being closed.
“With our school closing for the rest of the school year, our school board decided it was best to keep everything closed until the end of school,” said Dawn McKinnon, Mullan Pool manager.
They now plan to open on June 1, as long as they have proper permissions secured.
In Wallace, the pool situation was decided long before COVID-19 hit due to the facility still needing repairs so water stays in the pool.
Kellogg houses both the Kellogg Public Swimming Pool and the Silver Rapids Water Park at Silver Mountain.
Silver Rapids, an indoor water park, opened one week ago, presumptively under the rules set forth in Stage 2 for indoor pools.
Despite having the governor’s permission, the Kellogg Pool doesn’t have a set date for their opening.
City officials primarily responsible for the pool were unable to be reached, but according to Kellogg City Project Manager Rod Plank, they do have plans to open the pool. Barring any unforeseen maintenance or staffing issues, the facility will once again be free of charge for the public to use.
Guidelines for movie theaters listed on Idaho Rebounds include requiring a minimum of three seats (or 6 feet) between parties in any row and closing every other row of seating to ensure distancing. The theaters must also direct the flow of moviegoers and staff throughout the facility to reduce person-to-person contact.
Gatherings of 10 to 50 people, public and private, beginning on Saturday may take place just as long as standard physical distancing and other precautionary measures are being followed.
Stage 3 protocols
and considerations
for establishments allowed to operate on Saturday include:
• Establish protocols to maintain at least 6 feet physical distance among people.
• Establish protocols to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 among staff and patrons.
• Update employee illness policy and provide COVID-19 staff training.
• Establish plans to provide adequate hand hygiene and sanitation for employees and patrons.
• Identify strategies for working with public health to notify patrons and employees if the facility learns someone who developed COVID-19 may have been infectious to others while at the facility.
• Establish protocols for concession and food service.
• If the facility has an indoor pool, identify strategies to maintain physical distancing and the prevention of disease transmission.
All the allowances granted in Stage 1 and 2 also apply, as long as the proper guidelines are followed. Nightclubs and large venues remain closed. Visits to senior living facilities are also prohibited.
Stage 4, June 13-26:
• Vulnerable Idahoans can resume public interactions but should practice social distancing. Gatherings of more than 50 people, where appropriate physical distancing and precautionary measures are observed, can occur. Nonessential travel continues.
• Employers can resume unrestricted staffing of worksites, but continue to practice physical distancing, personal protections and sanitations for protection of workers. Special accommodations should be made for employees who are considered vulnerable.
• Visits to senior living facilities can resume. Nightclubs may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy. Large venues can operate under limited physical distancing protocols.