UPDATE: The mayor of Crouch is declaring a local disaster emergency due to a perceived imminent threat as a result of the potential for coronavirus cases emerging from the city.
Leaders of the City of Crouch are asking people to avoid Crouch and the Garden Valley area at this time amid COVID-19 concerns.
City leaders say they are following current CDC and Central District Health Idaho recommendations to maintain gathering limitations to 10 or fewer people at a time, limit social situations and maintain proper hygiene.
As Crouch and the surrounding areas are tourist destinations, city leaders say the increase in visitors will increase the risk of exposure from coronavirus.
The city says they have noticed an increase in visitors coming to Crouch and the Garden Valley area from the Treasure Valley. This increase is putting a strain on depleted grocery stores, as well as stressing out their local EMS system and putting pressure on Crouch residents.
City leaders are acting in accordance with the City of McCall and the City of Cascade, in that they are requesting visitors to avoid Crouch and the Garden Valley area until further notice.
For more information, you can check out the City of Crouch's Facebook page or their website.
