BOISE, Idaho — Governor Little is extending Idaho’s stay-home order to April 30, but with some looser guidelines. The original order is set to expire at midnight tonight.
“Idaho will be better positioned for a strong economic comeback because we are making difficult changes in how we live and work in the short-term,” Governor Little said. “The statewide stay-home order is working to flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus in Idaho, but the science tells us if you don’t time these measures right then we could worsen the outcome for citizens’ health and the economy weeks or months down the road.”
Indoor gyms, nightclubs, bars, restaurant dining rooms, nail and hair salons, convention and entertainment centers will remain closed. Large gatherings are also still not going to be allowed in the new order.
Non-essential businesses, like furniture or jewelry stores, are opening for curbside or delivery services. The governor said other businesses can get ready to re-open after April 30 if people can practice appropriate social distancing and sanitation measures.
Out of state travelers for non-essential business will be required to self-quarantine for two weeks upon entrance into the state..
“Rebounding to an economic recovery will require consumer confidence. Without therapeutics to treat symptoms of coronavirus, without a vaccine, and without herd immunity, consumers want to know businesses will adhere to strict practices to assure their health and safety. We can expect to go through phases of loosening and tightening of these measures until we do. In the meantime, I will continue to push for expanded access to testing,” Governor Little said.
The new order will be reevaluated at the end of April. As of Wednesday morning, there are 1,464 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 cases and 39 deaths in Idaho.
