BOISE, Idaho — Entering stage two of his four-stage plan to get Idaho's economy up and running again, Governor Brad Little is still asking we all practice social distancing, so we can safely get to stage three and beyond.
Idaho News 6 asked Don Day from BoiseDev how Little's announcement will impact our business community. Business owners are all smiles this weekend as we enter phase two, but many challenges lie ahead. For instance, once popular restaurants that were packed now have come up with their own plan to keep customers safe.
Day explains. "The state doesn't want that anymore. While you can sit closely with people in your party, they don't want you sitting close to other diners. So they've asked that the restaurants file a plan with their local health district. What's interesting is initially they said the plans would have to be approved, but Dr. Hahn said they don't have to be approved, we won't get them done in time, so now they will have to be filed."
Day believes people will still be very cautious going back in, and he'll continue to post restaurants every week that are still offering takeout where dining rooms aren't an option.
The quick rise in gas prices is proof people are already getting out. Day agreed, "you can look at the mobility data that shows up on cell phones you can see more people moving out and about in the community, and I think that will continue to happen."
When asked about the remainder of construction projects for the year, Day stated, "you can ask ten people and get ten different answers. What I can tell you there are projects still moving forward. There's a redevelopment project in the Bodo area along the street that will be a food hall."
As far as how long we'll continue to do stories surrounding Covid-19, Day says, "I think this is a long term event that's going to have a major impact on citizens and I think it's something [Idaho News 6] and I are going to be talking about for a long time with the Rebound and BoiseDev."
