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Coronavirus In Idaho: Resources & News

Coronavirus In Idaho: Resources & News

Boise State Public Radio News is here to keep you current on the news surrounding COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. If you have specific questions about the virus in Idaho and the state's response to it, please submit them here and we'll do our best to report the information you need.

Due to the developing nature of coronavirus news in the state, we will continue to update this post. If you are searching for information on something specific, we recommend using the "find" function (CTRL+F on a PC, COMMAND+F on a Mac).

The Latest Idaho News

March 14 - 5:44 p.m.

Eastern Idaho Public Health To Announce Idaho's Third Confirmed Case Of Coronavirus



March 14 - 4:15 p.m.

Blaine County School District Closing Schools For Three Weeks

Blaine County schools will be closed to the public starting Monday, March 16 until Sunday, April 5. The announcement comes after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in the county, the second positive test in the state.



In the announcement on its website, Blaine County School District Board of Trustees Chairman Keith Roark said, “We are working in coordination with SCPHD (South Central Public Health District) and decided in an abundance of caution to close schools. We realize this will cause hardship for many of our families in regards to childcare and daily nutrition. We hope to announce plans for providing nutrition services soon.”





The closure includes all schools and the BCSD Community Campus.



March 14 - 3:26 p.m.

City of Nampa Announces Additional Closures

Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling announced additional closures for the city Saturday afternoon. Both the Nampa Public Library and the Nampa Senior Center will be closed March 16-31. The Nampa City Council is also reminding its participating citizens of alternate ways of "attending" the meeting on March 16. 

March 14 - 2:35 p.m.

World Center for Birds of Prey Closes to Reduce COVID-19 Spread

The World Center for Birds of Prey run by the Peregrine Fund has closed the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center to visitors today and will remain shut for at least the next 30 days. Essential staff will continue taking care of the facility, including a flock of breeding California Condors.

March 14 - 1:49 p.m.

Breaking: Second Confirmed Idaho Coronavirus Case Found In Blaine County



A second known Idaho resident has tested positive for coronavirus, said Melody Bowyer of South Central Public Health District in a press conference Saturday. Learn more.
 
March 14 - 10:44 a.m.

Alley Repertory Theater Closes Season

Based on recommendations from state officials and the City of Boise regarding social distancing around the coronavirus, Alley Repertory Theater will end its season tonight, March 14 with a final performance of "A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City." Learn more.

March 14 - 9:30 a.m.

Idaho Education Association Cancels Delegate Assembly

Due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, the Idaho Education Association Board of Directors unanimously voted to cancel the 2020 Delegate Assembly scheduled for April 17-18 in downtown Boise. In a press release, IEA President Layne McInelly said this is likely the first cancellation of the Delegate Assembly in the organizations 128-year history.

March 13 - 10:59 p.m.

Meridian Library District Closes All Locations Through March

For the health and safety of its staff, volunteers and members of the community, the Meridian Library District has closed all locations through Tuesday, March 31 over concerns of coronavirus spread in a busy library environment. Learn more.

March 13 - 8:55 p.m.

Northwest Nazarene University Moves To Remote Learning For Two Weeks

Following its spring break, NNU announced all classes will be delivered remotely. In-person learning is scheduled to resume April 14. Learn more.

March 13 - 8:23 p.m.

Ada County Courthouse To Reduce Operations

Following Gov. Brad Little's emergency declaration and an Idaho Supreme Court Order, the Ada County Courthouse and Courthouse Complex will be running at reduced operations. At this time, only attorneys, parties, witnesses, jurors, victim support persons, county staff and judges are allowed to enter. Learn more.

March 13 - 8:02 p.m.

Lewis-Clark State College Offering Remote Learning After Spring Break

Administrators at Lewis-Clark State College announced distance learning options to be offered starting March 30, the school's spring break. Students leaving campus for the break will be encouraged to stay home and finish the semester remotely. For students who remain on campus, housing and meals will still be available. Learn more.

March 13 - 7:01 p.m.

Southwest District Health Call Center Adds Weekend Hours

Following Friday afternoon's announcement of Idaho's first confirmed case of coronavirus case, the COVID-19 Call Center operated by Southwest District Health will be open over the weekend to help alleviate the increased number of calls from concerned citizens. The call center will operate both Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more.

March 13 - 6:55 p.m.

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch Issues Statement On Idaho's First COVID-19 Case

Friday evening, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) issued the following statement:

"The announcement of Idaho's first positive COVID-19 case is not unexpected. Given the spread of the Chinese coronavirus (COVID-19), it was inevitable this disease would cross Idaho's borders. Governor Little and state officials have been preparing for this eventuality since January and announced a preemptory emergency declaration earlier today ... As this outbreak continues, I will work with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to pass emergency funding where needed ... I thank our state and local leaders and health care professionals for their proactive efforts on this issue and applaud their dedication to keeping Idahoans safe."
March 13 - 6:23 p.m.

Boise State To Deliver All Courses Remotely For Remainder Of Spring Semester

Boise State University announced this evening that all classes through the end of the semester will be held online. School officials are encouraging students to head for home, but will keep campus housing open for those who have jobs or research. Learn more.

March 13 - 5:12 p.m.

BREAKING: State Health Officials Announce Idaho's First Confirmed Coronavirus Case

Gov. Brad Little (R) and state public health officials announced Idaho's first confirmed case of coronavirus Friday afternoon in a press conference.

The person is a woman over the age of 50 and is in isolation in Ada County. She recently returned from a conference in New York City. She is currently doing well and recovering from mild symptoms. Her positive test for COVID-19 did not require hospitalization. Learn more.

March 13 - 4:06 p.m.



March 13 - 3:37 p.m.

Ice Dance International Cancels Western U.S. Tour

Due to the growing concern of coronavirus spread and infection, Ice Dance Internationa's western U.S Tour has been cancelled in Boise. Ticketholders will be refunded by CenturyLink Arena.

March 13 - 2:34 p.m.

Gov. Brad Little & Health Officials To Host Statewide Town Hall Next Week

A media advisory sent out Friday afternoon contained information regarding Gov. Little's upcoming public events. The governor, along with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen and Idaho State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn are scheduled to host a statewide AARP telephone town hall regarding the coronavirus in Idaho. Anyone can participate — learn how here.

March 13 - 2:33 p.m.

Consumer Alert: Idaho's Price Gouging Law Now In Effect

Following Governor Brad Little's emergency declaration Friday morning, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden reminded businesses of Idaho's price gouging statute, which prohibits selling food, drugs, fuel or water at an excessive price during a declared state of emergency. Learn more.

March 13 - 2:29 p.m.

Concordia Law Transitions To Online Classes Monday, March 16

Due to public health concerns surrounding coronavirus, Concordia University School of Law will cancel in-person classes and move to online instruction Monday, March 16 that will continue through April 9. Learn more.

March 13 - 2:15 p.m.

Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable Discusses State Coronavirus Response

Reporter Don Day from BoiseDev, Scott McIntosh and Cynthia Sewell from the Idaho Statesman along with James Dawson and Frankie Barnhill of Boise State Public Radio break down this week in news. Listen here.

March 13 - 1:38 p.m.

Trump Declares Coronavirus Pandemic A National Emergency

President Trump declared a national emergency Friday afternoon amid growing concern about the coronavirus outbreak across the country, freeing up $50 billion for states to deal with the crisis. Learn more.

March 13 - 1:30 p.m.

Boise State Tests Online-Class Capabilities, Cancels Athletics Until Further Notice

Boise State University is holding all classes online today, as part of a test to prepare for emergency scenarios including the arrival of coronavirus. The university has also suspended all athletic competitions until future notice.

March 13 - 1:04 p.m.

The Bogus Basin ski resort outside of Boise remains open but has cancelled all upcoming winter events. The non-profit has discontinued public bus services and increased its frequency of cleaning public areas. It is also allowing patrons to ride single on multi-seat chairlifts.

 

March 13 - 12:11 p.m.

 

43rd Annual Race to Robie Creek Cancelled

 

The annual Race to Robie Creek half marathon has been cancelled due to concerns over the coronavirus.

 

The run, which starts in Boise and attracts thousands of runners and spectators, was scheduled for April 18 but organizers sent a note to participants today saying they made the decision at the direction of government agencies.

 

"We are heartbroken but believe this is the best decision for our community, participants, volunteers, staff, sponsors, and everyone involved," the note said.

 

There is no word yet on whether the race will take place at a later date.





March 13 - 11:00 a.m.

Sun Valley Center for the Arts Cancels Public Gatherings
 
The Sun Valley Center for the Arts announced it was cancelling all public gatherings (concerts, openings, classes) through Saturday, April 18. Their announcement covers all events held through the museum and their theater troupe, the Company of Fools.

March 13 - 10:48 a.m.

Ballet Idaho Cancels Light/Dark Performances

Following Governor Little's emergency declaration this morning and Boise Mayor Lauren McClean's statement yesterday regarding event gatherings of more than 250 people, Ballet Idaho has cancelled its Light/Dark performances scheduled for March 13 & 14. Learn more.

March 13 - 10 a.m.

Idaho Governor Declares State Of Emergency

Gov. Brad Little has declared a state of emergency in Idaho to help better position the state in responding to the eventual spread of coronavirus. During a nearly hour-long press conference, state officials acknowledged a lack of testing availability, but say they're now contracting with private laboratories to outsource the work. There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 out of 131 people who have been tested so far. Learn more.



March 13 - 9:34 a.m.

City Of Nampa Approves Emergency Resolution To Limit Mass Gatherings

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the event of an outbreak, the Nampa City Council approved an emergency resolution this morning that prohibits gatherings of 250 people or more through March 31. This includes events at the Ford Idaho Center and Nampa Civic Center. Learn more.

March 13 - 8:59 a.m.

At this time, Central District Health is not recommending school closures.

March 13 - 8:53 a.m.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Issues Guidance For Mass Gatherings

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the seven local Public Health Districts sent out guidance early this morning for event managers, regarding decision-making amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Public health experts recommend postponing or canceling mass gatherings in the following situations:

  • The event will draw audiences from places with a confirmed community spread of the virus.
  • The event will be held indoors with more than 250 people and social distancing of at least six feet is not likely.
  • The primary audience of the event includes high-risk populations like adults over 60 and people with underlying chronic medial conditions.
March 13, 2020

Winco Foods Adjusts Some Store Hours To Clean And Stock Shelves

Winco Foods, typically a 24-hour a day operation, released an announcement Friday regarding its store hours. Amid growing outbreaks and fears of coronavirus, the stores have been experiencing higher than normal demand. Winco is now temporarily closing certain locations between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. to properly clean and restock shelves. Learn more.

March 13 - 8:50 a.m.



March 12 - 6:00 p.m.

Saint Alphonsus Restricts Visitor Contacts

Due to risks associated with a possible outbreak of coronavirus, Saint Alphonsus Health System has announced the following visitor restrictions, effective immediately:

  • One visitor per patient at a time.
  • No visitors under the age of 14.
  • Visitors with respiratory symptoms and fever will be asked to leave and/or seek medical attention.
  • Visitors with respiratory symptoms and fever seeking medical attention will be given a mask prior to entering the facility.
Learn more.

March 12 - 5:41 p.m.

Boise Mayor Requests Postponing Large Events/Gatherings 

In a news release, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean asked organizers to "consider postponing" events planned for 250 people or more, due to concerns over an outbreak of the coronavirus. The request is not an order, though the city will be postponing its employee gatherings of more than 250 people through April 10.

March 12 - 4:26 p.m.

Idaho Lawmakers Eye Fast Exit If Coronavirus Hits Statehouse

Gov. Brad Little and leaders in the Idaho House and Senate have made contingency plans for a hasty end to the legislative session should someone in the Statehouse get the new coronavirus. Learn more.

3:45 p.m. - March 12, 2020

COVID-19 Fears Cancel Sun Valley Film Festival

After saying the show would go on Wednesday, the Sun Valley Film Festival has announced it is cancelling this year’s event due to widening concerns around the Coronavirus. Learn more.

March 12, 2020

College of Southern Idaho Moves To Online Classes After Spring Break

The College of Southern Idaho will move all of its classes online starting Monday, March 30. Athletic events and travel have been cancelled, as well as campus events. Students are encouraged not to return to campus following spring break. For those students who must remain on campus, lodging and meal services will be available. Learn more.

March 11 - 12:30 p.m.

Idaho Senate OKs Money To Fight Coronavirus Outbreak

Idaho lawmakers are moving quickly to bolster the state's ability to fight the new coronavirus. The Senate voted 35-0 Wednesday to approve a request from Republican Gov. Brad Little for $2 million to go into an emergency fund for use around the state. Learn more.

March 11 - 10 a.m.

Coronavirus Fears Postpone Boise's 2020 Treefort Music Fest

Treefort Music Fest organizers announced Wednesday morningthat the upcoming event will be postponed until September because of fears around the Coronavirus outbreak. Learn more.

March 5, 2020

Idaho Ramps Up Coronavirus Response As Risk Remains Low

As cases of coronavirus continue to grow in the U.S., Idaho is taking steps to try to slow its eventual migration to the state. Learn more.

March 5, 2020

Boise State Students In Isolation Due To Coronavirus Worries

Boise State University says four students from South Korea participating in a school program are in self-isolation for 14 days in Boise. Learn more.

March 3, 2020

Here's How The State Of Idaho Is Preparing For COVID-19

To learn more about what our state is doing to prepare, Idaho Matters is joined by state epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn and epidemiologist Lindsay Haskellan with the Central District Health Department. Learn more.



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