Gov. Brad Little announced in an address Tuesday that the state has moved to Stage 3 of his Idaho Rebounds plan.
In the announcement, Little cited a decline in statewide case counts and daily hospital admissions as the reason for moving from Stage 2, which was implemented in November. According to Little, the state now has one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 in the nation.
“Those collective efforts have put us in a position now where we can move out of Stage 2 and forward into Stage 3,” Little said. “That means Idaho remains open, but with some necessary limitations.”
The new guidelines focus on safely loosening gathering capacities while still maintaining Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health protocols.
General gatherings are now limited to 50 people, up from 10, with the exemption of political and religious expression, educational activities and health care activities such as COVID-19 testing or vaccination.
Individual regulations include the recommendation to avoid exposure to high-risk situations unless precautionary measures like mask wearing and social distancing are observed. There are no travel restrictions in the new stage, however individuals are encouraged to follow state and CDC guidelines regarding travel protocols and isolation efforts.
Face coverings are strongly recommended in indoor public settings and in outdoor public spaces where six feet of physical distancing from non-household members cannot be maintained. All open businesses are advised to continue following protocol for opening safely.
Specific employers such as those operating bars, restaurants and nightclubs may operate with seating only. Long-term care facilities are unable to operate unless face masks are required on their premises.
Large events including trade shows, weddings and sporting venues exceeding 50 people are eligible for exemption from the gathering limit if the organizer of the event submits a request to their public health district. The request must confirm the event will adhere to established physical distancing and hygiene protocols put in place by the health district’s operation plan.
Little’s full announcement is available to watch on Idaho Public Television’s YouTube channel. Information on cases, testing, demographics and more are available on the state’s COVID-19 website.
Katarina Hockema can be reached at arg–news@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @katarina___h