On Friday, Idaho joined over 30 other states across the United States in a state of emergency to deal with the growing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Gov. Brad Little, in a press conference which was broadcasted live on Facebook to update the general public, made the announcement that this state of emergency is a preventative measure.
According to the press release sent out after the Facebook live, “The declaration activates the use of the Idaho Emergency Operations Plan and makes funds available for use in the Emergency Disaster Fund. It allows the governor more flexibility to expedite contracts and purchasing of supplies, and it aids in the state’s ability to access critical supplies such as respirators from the national stockpile.”
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Doctor Christine Hahn, the state epidemiologist said there are no confirmed cases yet in Idaho, but the labs currently do not have the capability to test everyone. Hahn said they are working with private labs to expand testing capabilities.
The declaration also includes a provision which speeds up the medical license renewal process for nurses who have retired or left the profession Little said.
During the live, Little addressed testing in Idaho, school closures, and those who are stockpiling.
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“We must not be alarmed, but we must be cautious. As the old saying goes ‘an ounce of prevention equals a pound of the cure.’ Individually and collectively we all have a duty to do what we can to protect the vulnerable,” Little said.
Idaho State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra said it is still up to individual school districts if they are closing. She said they are encouraging districts to stay open and continue to teach ‘common sense’ practices to children like washing their hands.
Kali Nelson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @kalinelson6