CASCADE, Idaho — The Valley County Board of Commissioners extended a temporary closure of all short-term rentals, hotels or motels and RV parks in Valley County through May 15. The commissioners are also reminding the public to not visit Valley County to stay in-line with the stay-at-home order in Idaho.
According to a press release from the Valley County Board of Commissioners, many short-term rentals are still in use and the public is looking for recreation opportunities. The Valley County Sheriff's Office and Valley County Commissioners are receiving calls and emails citing violations of the temporary closure.
"Our focus has been on educating the public about these new policies, rather than issuing citations," Valley County Sheriff Patti Bolen says.
As closure head into the second week, people found in violation of the temporary closure may be subject to a misdemeanor.
"We are listening to our healthcare providers and doing our best to protect these frontline responders," Elting Hasbrouck, Valley County Board of Commissioners Chairman said.
Hasbrouck says it is difficult to ask people to stay away from the county, especially when the local economy depends on tourism. Two main areas of concern are works in essential fields traveling with their families to Valley County for work and snowbirds coming home for the summer.
"It is imperative that we limit the exposure opportunities within our community," Hasbrouck says.
Commissioners are asking that essential workers travel alone and maintain social distancing while completing work in the area. Similarly, retirees returning home to Valley County are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
The Valley County Board of Commissioners is also asking all Valley County residents to not travel outside of the county. Valley County employees who have left the county will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to work, using their own vacation time.
"We all have to do our part," Hasbrouck says. "The sooner we can get through this crisis, the sooner we can get back to business."
