Shoshone County implements COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan

WALLACE — Shoshone County is tightening things up as COVID-19 cases continue to rise locally and in the Panhandle.

In light of Gov. Brad Little’s emergency declaration and the Order of the Idaho Supreme Court issued on March 13 and recommendations of Public Health Officials both State and Federal, Shoshone County has declared an emergency pursuant to its emergency powers outlined in Idaho Code § 46-1011 and all relevant sections of Idaho Code. The emergency declaration allows county officials and related emergency personnel to activate additional resources and communication measures to ensure the public is regularly informed.

"Shoshone County, like its residents, is not immune to the virus and is observing an uptick in positive cases with its staff," said Commissioner Mike Fitzgerald.

According to the Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County has 87 active COVID cases and 21 related deaths as of Nov. 9.

With the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's Stage 3 Stay Healthy Order, issued on Oct. 27, and PHD's risk category designation of “Red” for Shoshone County, the Board of County Commissioners and other elected officials wish to be proactive and help minimize the spread of the virus and encourage others within the community to do the same.

"It is however vital to continue to conduct daily county business," Fitzgerald said. "To strike the best balance, the county elected officials have decided to temporarily modify its operations and implement measures that minimizes in-person occurrences."

At this time, 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 services will be suspended until further notice:

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

• Notaries public

• Jail visitation

• Jury duty

In addition to these suspensions, other precautions are being implemented such as:

• Limited access to the Courthouse and Public Safety Building (Sheriff's Office).

• Drop boxes will be utilized at county buildings for daily business.

• Staffing levels/schedules will be adjusted and at-home work assignments will be deployed.

• Face coverings will be continued to be required at the Courthouse and Public Safety Building in all common areas and for areas where 6 feet social distancing cannot be achieved.

Elected officials will be regularly monitoring the situation and meet daily to discuss emergency plan implementation measures as the matter develops.

Anyone who meets high risk criteria pursuant to the recommendations of PHD and the CDC will have limited access to the Shoshone County Courthouse and related public buildings. 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 county website and additional notifications will be made as the situation changes.

At this time, these precautionary measures are being implemented until further notice.