Coronavirus In Idaho: Resources & News From March 22-28

Boise State Public Radio is here to keep you current on the news surrounding COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. This blog contains information from March 22-28 on closures, cancellations & news regarding the coronavirus in Idaho.

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March 28 - 5:15 p.m.

State officials Saturday evening announced 261 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Idaho and a statewide death toll of five.  Blaine County continues to have the most in the state with 114. Ada County added four from Friday's total, with 88. Lincoln County, home to Shoshone and Richfield, had its first confirmed case Saturday.

Cases were split almost evenly between individuals on either side of age 50, and lean 54% female. The number of tests completed on Idahoans increased by about 800 from Friday, to 4,282. The majority of those tests have been completed at out-of-state labs.

Earlier Saturday, a man in his 60s was announced as the first fatality in Ada County; the fifth in the state.

March 28 - 1 p.m.

Central District Health officials announced the first COVID-19-related death in Ada County Saturday, a man over the age of 60 with pre-existing health conditions. Officials say they will only be releasing limited information on individuals due to privacy rules.

The Ada County man is the fifth to die of the infection in Idaho. The first two fatalities were in Blaine County earlier this week, followed by a man in his 70s in Canyon County, and an individual in their 80s in Nez Perce County Friday.

The official state department of Health and Welfare total remains at 230, but individual districts have reported an increase to 153 cases across Idaho.  The State numbers are updated once per day, at 5 p.m.

March 28 - 1 p.m.

The Women's and Children's Alliance said Saturday, the Ada County Courthouse in Boise will close to the public starting Monday, March 30. Day-to-day operations will be held or moved online, including protection filings. The WCA says they are available to facilitate telephone or online communication for affected individuals needing assistance with filing.

March 27 - 7:43 p.m. 

Eastern Idaho Public Health announced the first positive case of COVID-19 in Bonneville County. The individual is a male, over the age of 60, who had recently returned from travel out of the country. Health officials say upon his return to the U.S., he self-isolated and then became symptomatic. He was hospitalized, but is now recovering at home. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is currently reporting eight other confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the Eastern Idaho Public Health District.

March 27 - 6:21 p.m.

The state’s South Central Public Health District has announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lincoln County, which neighbors Blaine County to the south.

The individual is male, over the age of 70, and has been hospitalized. The point of transmission is under investigation.

March 27 - 5:20 p.m.

Starting on March 30, Idahoans can call 1-888-330-3010 with questions about COVID-19 or the statewide stay-at-home order. The hotline will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 27 - 5:03 p.m.

The state of Idaho is reporting four deaths and 230 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. These numbers come two weeks after Idaho announced its first case. 

Nez Perce County reported its first virus-related death Friday: an individual older than 80. It’s not clear how that patient contracted the disease. 

Blaine County has the highest number of cases at 98; two deaths were reported there yesterday. Ada County has 75 cases and no reported deaths. Canyon County has the third highest count at 23, with one reported death.

March 27 - 3:36 p.m.

As the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Canyon County has continued to rise, the Southwest Public Health District has confirmed community spread of the virus in the county. Community spread is defined as illness within a community that lacks connection to travel or other confirmed cases.

The first case of coronavirus in Canyon County was confirmed last Friday, March 20. Since then, 22 cases have been confirmed there and the first death in Canyon County was announced Thursday, March 26.

March 27, 3:31 p.m.

Gem County, in southwest Idaho, has reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19, according to Southwest District Health.

A male in his 20s tested positive and is recovering at home with mild symptoms. He had no known contact with other confirmed cases and health officials are investigating the source of transmission.

All household members are being asked to self-isolate at home, according to the health district.

March 27 - 3:13 p.m.

Idaho Governor Brad Little is set to host a statewide AARP town hall via telephone on Tuesday, March 31 to answer questions regarding the coronavirus outbreak in Idaho. Anyone interested in participating can join by calling toll-free 866-767-0637.

Gov. Little is also scheduled to answer questions about COVID-19 in Idaho on Idaho Public Television Thursday, April 2 at 8 p.m. This event will be available both on television and on Facebook.

March 27 - 2:50 p.m.

The North Central Health District reports a patient diagnosed with the novel coronavirus has passed away. The individual in Nez Perce County was older than 80 with age-related health issues. This case was a confirmed case prior to death. Epidemiologists are investigating how the patient contracted the illness. Including this death, there are five confirmed cases in the health district, four in Nez Perce and one in Idaho County. Yesterday, the state reported its first three deaths related to the virus.

March 27 - 2:15 p.m.

The Idaho State Tax Commission has closed its customer service counters to the public in all its offices throughout the state. The Tax Commission is continuing to process tax returns, and will be available by phone or email to answer questions and assist with making payments. 

Idaho has extended income tax filling and payment to June 15. To contact the tax commission:

• Call (208) 334-7660 in the Boise area or toll free at (800) 972-7660
• Email taxrep@tax.idaho.gov

March 27 - 1:25 p.m.

The Idaho State Board of Education is scheduled to hold a virtual board meeting to discuss coronavirus updates from leaders in the state’s K-12 and higher education system. Also on the agenda is the consideration of waiving certain Career Technical Education assessment requirements.

The meeting is set for Monday, March 30 at 3 p.m. and can be live-streamed from Facebook here.

March 27 - 1:00 p.m.

Blaine County Commissioners voted 2-1 on Friday to pass restrictions on top of the state-issued isolation order. Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue have passed the below amendments and Sun Valley will vote next week. The city of Carey has not passed the tightened isolation order and has not indicated plans to do so.

In Blaine County, Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue through April 12:

• Construction and landscaping are no longer considered essential businesses
• Plumbers and electricians can only perform work that is immediate and essential
• Hotels and short-term rentals can only rent rooms to healthcare workers and those performing essential government services
• Blaine County residents and visitors entering the county from out of state must self-isolate for 14 days 
• Travel outside of Blaine County to obtain items otherwise available in the county is prohibited

March 27 - 12:28 p.m.

Boise State University’s MakerLab is prepared to make face shields for medical workers using 3D printing technology. They are waiting to get the go-ahead from state and medical officials in the state to begin turning their prototype into something that can be used in Idaho hospitals. 

The grassroots effort came about after concerns of shortages of personal protective equipment (called PPE) at Idaho hospitals. According to a press release, about 17 students and 20 staff and faculty members are partnering with local businesses and libraries to make the plastic face shields.

March 27 - 12:09 p.m.

Governor Brad Little urged Idahoans to "just stay home" Friday, before announcing a plan to shift $39.3 million from the state tax relief fund to Idaho's Emergency account. Little said those funds will primarily go towards purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE). The governor also announced a 1% budget holdback from state agencies to reduce costs for nonessential work by $40 million.

Little also proclaimed changes to the state unemployment claim process, waiving the week-long waiting period for claimants, and saying employers will not be on the hook for unemployment taxes for employees they have had to lay off retroactive to March 8.

Tax receipt forecasts are down significantly, and Little clarified that the $40 million 'holdback from state agencies' nonessential activities will help balance the state budget by the end of the year, though they don't fully know how low tax receipts will fall.

"There's hardly a part of the social safety net that's not having a hard time," Little said when asked about long hold times and disconnections of callers attempting to claim unemployment after being laid off.

The Department of Labor director has encouraged claimants to file online because they have reached capacity for phone calls.

March 26 - 7:30 p.m.

Now that Gov. Brad Little has issued a statewide stay-home order, Idaho Fish and Game offices are closing down and switching most services online, with limited phone support. Offices will be closed starting Friday through at least April 15. 

Officials are asking hunters to buy their tags, licenses and permits online. A few services must still be done in person, such as buying bear bait permits and outfitter tags. Those can be purchased by appointment only at the field offices and no longer with cash.  

March 26 - 7:00 p.m.

Sheltering in place helps slow the spread of COVID-19 but can lead to anxiety and stress. Starting Friday, seniors in the Social Work program at Lewis-Clark State College will open an emotional support phone line.

“They can have a phone call with someone who is trained to listen,” said LaChelle Rosenbaum, director of the social work program. “There might even be times where I have this household full of kids and I just need another adult human to just listen to what I am going through. So anybody can call.” 

The support line will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays for students and community members in the Lewis Clark Valley at 208-792-2866.

March 26 - 6:30 p.m.

The Idaho National Laboratory in eastern Idaho is asking part of its large workforce to telecommute in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That means 3,900 employees will work remotely, leaving only 1,000 mission critical workers on site, along with security, firefighters and other emergency personnel. No INL workers have tested positive for the coronavirus.

March 26 - 6:00 p.m.

The Boise School District announced it will launch the first phase of its new Learning & Essential Services website on Monday. The new site is designed to help kids stuck at home maintain and develop their skills in core subjects.

By the middle of April, the school district hopes to add more content-based and grade-level material. 

The Monday roll-out, expected around noon, will include information for parents who do not have internet access and require paper materials.

BSD also cancelled all high school proms.

March 26 - 5:30 p.m.  

All Idaho Power recreation sites have closed after governors in Idaho and neighboring Oregon, put in place new restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. That includes all parks, boat ramps and day-use areas.

Idaho Power owns more than 50 recreation sites along the Snake River, from American Falls to Hells Canyon. 

Signs announcing the closures will be posted, along with physical barriers in some areas. Visitors who don’t heed the signs could be cited for trespassing. 

The Boise National Forest is also closing many campgrounds, hot springs and parking lots due to the threat of the novel coronavirus. Idaho State Park Campgrounds will also close down on Friday, March 27 through May 15. Day use campgrounds remain open.

Lastly, Idaho Parks and Recreation is closing down all cabins, shelters and yurts until the end of April.

March 26 - 5:15 p.m.

On Thursday the state of Idaho raised the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 189, after testing more than 2,800 people. The state tallied 86 cases in Blaine County, where officials yesterday added new restrictions to the statewide isolation orders. 

That Central Idaho county claimed 45% of the state totals, with Ada County carrying the second-highest caseload, or 53 cases, making up 28% of state totals.

One of those COVID-19 cases, it was announced on Thursday by the Transportation Security Administration, is a baggage officer at the Boise Airport, who worked in the main terminal. The last day the person worked was a morning shift, from 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Thursday March 19.

March 26 - 2:15 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Labor announced Thursday initial claims for unemployment jumped by 1,200% last week. Pandemic-related closures and layoffs in Idaho pushed filings for the week of March 15-21 up to 13,341, from 1,031 the week prior.

This mirrors the national trend, which saw initial unemployment claims spike last week to 3.3 million; more than a 1,000% increase. Washington state claims are up 800% and Oregon is up 1,500%. Unemployment numbers are typically released each Thursday covering the prior week.  

March 26 - 1:38 p.m.

Health officials have announced Idaho’s first three deaths due to coronavirus – 13 days after the state confirmed its first case of COVID-19. Full story here.

March 26 - 9:15 a.m. 

Sun Valley Economic Development is asking for donations of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), surgical or N95 masks, medical grade gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant for Blaine County front line workers.

“Area responders are having a difficult time obtaining these much needed supplies to protect our community due to the shortage nationwide,” SVED wrote in a newsletter. 

Email David@SunValleyEconomy.org or Harry@SunValleyEconomy.org to donate.

March 25 - 6:28 p.m.

Boise School District will expand grab and go meal services for kids in need starting Monday.

Free sack meals will be available for drive-up from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following locations while schools are closed:

• Garfield Elementary School
• Grace Jordan Elementary School
• Morley Nelson Elementary School
• Taft Elementary School
• Whitney Elementary School
• Whittier Elementary School

March 25 - 6:13 p.m.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a statewide stay-at-home order Wednesday to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. That means nightclubs and bars, which are considered non-essential businesses, must close down their physical locations. 

But the Idaho State Liquor Division announced Wednesday that state liquor stores will stay open. Officials said some stores might close down because of staffing shortages or illness. None of the stores have reported instances of the coronavirus.

Most stores will be open during their regular hours which you can find here.

March 25 - 5:55 p.m. 

Boise State University is planning a digital commencement for students set to graduate this spring. 

Coordinators are working on different technological options for the Class of 2020. Boise State won’t have an in-person ceremony in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Graduates will be given the chance to attend a traditional ceremony in December when a special commencement celebration will be planned.

March 25 - 5:45 p.m.

Officials in Blaine County are planning to put in place additional restrictions on the state-issued isolation order to limit travel in and out of the county. These amendments will be brought to each city in the Sun Valley area for approval this week.

• Construction and landscaping are no longer considered essential businesses
• Plumbers and electricians can only perform work that is immediate and essential
• Hotels and short-term rentals can only rent rooms to healthcare workers and those performing essential government services
• Blaine County residents and visitors entering the county from out of state must self-isolate for 14 days 
• Travel outside of Blaine County to obtain items otherwise available in the county is prohibited

March 25 - 5:25 p.m. 

As Gov. Brad Little announced a stay-at-home order for the state, the state reports the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 50 today to a total of 123.

The Panhandle Health District has nine cases in total, reporting one new case today: a man in his 40s from Kootenai County. The health district said one of its nine cases seems to be from community transmission because health officials can’t track it to travel or contact with a confirmed case. Idaho North Central Health District announced its first case in Idaho County today, bringing that district's total to two.

The Central Health District is reporting 15 more cases since yesterday. That district is reporting 39 total cases in Ada County, while the state website says that county has 37.The South Central District Health Department is recording 63 cases in Blaine County as of yesterday. But the state is still recording 52 cases there today.

The Eastern Idaho Public Health reported two more cases in Fremont and Custer counties with one case tied to out-of-country travel and the second to travel to an area with community transmission. As of Wednesday evening, the state was not reporting the case in Custer County.

If the county cases (two in Ada, 11 in Blaine and one in Custer) from the health district cases are added to the state total, Boise State Public Radio calculates the case number in Idaho is 137. Almost 2,200 individuals have been tested for the virus at state and commercial labs. 

March 25 - 5:10 p.m.

You may have noticed an empty potato bin at your local grocery store. The Capital Press reports that panic buying has left shippers unable to keep up with the surge.

And potato prices have jumped up by one-third from a low of $6.50 per baled 5-pound film bag last week to as much as $11 on Monday.

However, the Idaho Potato Commission says as restaurants and colleges shut down, there are more bulk potatoes available that can now be sold retail. IPC says switching those potatoes around should keep some Russet potatoes in grocery stores. In the meantime, some stores are limiting how many potatoes customers can buy.  

March 25 - 5:04 p.m.

The Southeastern Idaho Public Health District is asking people to donate everything from masks to gloves to hand sanitizer. 

Officials say first responders and health care workers in southeast Idaho are having trouble finding the items during the novel coronavirus pandemic. 

Any district health office can take the supplies or workers can pick them up from donors. There are eight offices including in Pocatello, Malad, Arco and American Falls.

March 25 - 1:30 p.m.

In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) issued a statewide stay-at-home order, citing recent instances of community spread outside of Blaine County as the impetus.

"Idaho is now in a new stage," he said.

The order takes effect immediately and lasts for 21 days, after which time public health officials will reassess.

March 25 - 11:42 a.m.

Eagle Mayor Jason Pierce has ordered all restaurants, bars and coffee houses in the city to shut down dine-in services and people to maintain a six foot distance from each other to combat the spread of COVID-19.

It’s part of a declaration of disaster that also requires fitness facilities to have no more than 10 patrons at any time.

The full declaration can be found here.

March 24 - 10:15 p.m.

A group of Idaho legislators, working with the nonprofit Hands of Hope NW, announced a PPE drive on Saturday, March 28. Due to the pandemic, there is a shortage at some hospitals across the nation for PPEs, or personal protective equipment, which include masks and gloves.

The drive will be held on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the east parking lot of Albertson’s Stadium on the campus of Boise State University. The collection is meant to be pre-emptive, in the event Idaho healthcare workers run out of protective gear. 

Items to be collected also include hand sanitizer, bleach sprays and wipes, isopropyl alcohol, face shields, respirator masks, shoe covers, biohazard bags and disposable gowns. 

Hands of Hope NW, led by Todd Durbin, will be collecting and distributing the items. The effort is supported by Idaho Senators Maryanne Jordan and Cherie Buckner-Webb, along with Chris Mathias, a candidate for Idaho House District 19B. 

The expectation is that certain Idaho businesses, in addition to private citizens, may have an excess of these items to would donate to the cause. These organizations include hair salons, construction crews, landscape companies, pest exterminators, veterinary and dental clinics and school laboratories.

March 24 - 8:18 p.m.

In a press release Tuesday evening, Idaho North Central Health District confirmed the first positive test for coronavirus in Nez Perce County. The patient is an adult under the age of 60 who did not require hospitalization and is at home recovering. The point of transmission was not stated.

Public health officials are working to determine risk criteria for locations and contacts that may have been exposed to this individual. 

March 24 - 7:37 p.m.

In a press release Tuesday, public health districts Central and Southwest announced a confirmed case of community spread in Ada County. As stated in the release, community spread is defined as “illness within a community that lacks connection to other travel or other confirmed cases.”

Of the 25 cases Central District Health has reported in Ada and Valley Counties, 23 are associated with travel, one is linked to community transmission and another is pending investigation.

There are currently no confirmed cases of community spread from Southwest District Health, which serves Adams, Washington, Gem, Payette, Canyon and Owyhee Counties, though three of the seven cases there are still awaiting results after investigation.

Both health districts are monitoring pending cases closely and urging residents to follow official recommendations for reducing community transmission.

March 24 - 6:37 p.m.

March 24 - 5:51 p.m.

Payette County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19, according to Southwest District Health. The largely rural county borders Oregon in southwest Idaho.

A woman in her 20s contracted it, experienced mild symptoms and recovered at home, according to the health district.

Officials are investigating how she was infected. Southwest District Health asks household members and anyone who had prolonged exposure to anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate at home.

March 24 - 5:13 p.m.

Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling is asking restaurants to close dining rooms or maintain a 6-foot distance between patrons to fight the spread of COVID-19. But, unlike Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, Kling is still not mandating such measures, saying she is following the recommendations of local health authorities.

In a news release, Kling did leave open the possibility of order restrictions.

“Please do these things now, voluntarily, and for the protection of our community and economy,” the statement says. “There could come a time when Nampa City Council chooses to mandate certain restrictions.”

March 24 - 5 p.m.

At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the state of Idaho website for confirmed cases of COVID-19 was partially updated. The site states, “Idaho is currently reporting 73 cases,” which is up 13 from its count Monday. However, the accompanying table below this text was not updated. It’s still reporting yesterday’s total of 50.

Calculating each public health district’s tallies, the total case count in Idaho is at 87 at end of business on Tuesday. Eastern Idaho Public Health reported the first two confirmed cases in Jefferson County. Southeastern Idaho Public Health reported the first two cases in Bannock County. Southwest District Health announced the first confirmed case in Payette County.

The Panhandle Health District sent a press release announcing another two cases in Kootenai County. Central District Health and South Central Public Health District both reported an increase in case numbers — Ada County now has 24 and Blaine County has reached 40.

Idaho North Central Public Health District, which serves the counties of Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce, is the only public health district yet to report any confirmed cases of coronavirus.

March 24 - 4:46 p.m.

The Boise City Council will give an update on city efforts to combat COVID-19 at its meeting tonight.

Unlike many cities in Idaho, Boise has ordered all restaurants and bars to close to dine-in customers. Take out and delivery is allowed.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and a livestream can be found here http://boisecityid.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx

March 24 - 3:55 p.m.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is giving almost one million dollars to 14 health centers in Idaho to help combat COVID-19.

The health centers are sprinkled across the state from Challis to Fort Hall to Bonners Ferry. 

The Health Resources and Services Administration is handing out the cash for screening and testing needs, buying medical supplies (such as personal protective equipment or PPE), and increasing telehealth capacity.

HHS is awarding $100 million for health centers around the country. The money comes out of the $8.3 billion in federal emergency funding allocated March 6.

March 24 - 3:34 p.m.

The Idaho Apartment Association is urging landlords to offer rent deferrals for April due to the impact of COVID-19 on many tenants. The program they outline would mean a delay in payments being due, not a waiving of rent.

The association represents owners of apartment buildings and other multi-family dwellings.

They also said they are hopeful banks will issue a deferral program for mortgage payments.

March 24 - 2:38 p.m.

Gov. Brad Little will host a press conference Wednesday at Gowen Field in Boise to give an update on COVID-19 in Idaho. The press conference will be at 1:30 pm.

March 24 - 1:57 p.m.

A post by the organization Idaho Club Baseball led some people to believe Nampa was opening up rec league baseball, but that is not the case, city spokeswoman Amy Bowman said.

While city parks remain open, the city is in a state of emergency and asks residents to follow the COVID-19 guidelines issued by The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, which call for keeping at least six feet distance between people and not gathering with more than 10 people at a time.

 “I don’t know how you would play a baseball game with those regulations,” Bowman said.

Idaho Club Baseball subsequently posted a note on their site apologizing for the misunderstanding and announcing they would suspend games through April 20.

For CDC guidance on how to protect yourself from COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

March 24 - 1:28 p.m.  

Panhandle Health District has confirmed two more cases of novel coronavirus in North Idaho.

The cases are both in Kootenai County, which includes Coeur d’Alene.

One is a woman in her 20s and the other is a man in his 60s. Both are self-isolating at home.

Epidemiologists are investigating possible contacts with other people, according to the health district.

For more information, visit http://panhandlehealthdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus_Cases-3.24.2020.pdf

March 24 - 1:05 p.m.

The National Park Service announced Tuesday that Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks will be closed to visitor access until further notice. State roads that go into park boundaries will remain open, as will facilities that support life safety and commerce. NPS says the decision was made at the request of local county health officers from Park County, WY, Park County, MT, Teton County, WY, and Gallatin County, MT. The parks will let the public know when they reopen on its website and through social media.

March 24 - 12:05 p.m.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, the Boise Towne Square Mall closed its doors Tuesday, after reducing store hours last week. 

The mall was launched in 1988 by Brookfield Properties Retail Group and grew to house about 150 stores, making it one of the largest retail complexes in Idaho.

Boise mayor Lauren McLean instituted a “social distancing order” for the city, effective Tuesday at midnight, limiting groups of no more than 10 people and distances of six feet between persons. The order does allow carry-out and drive-through services.

According to the Boise Towne Square Mall website, “essential stores and restaurants with exterior-facing entrances remain open.”

March 24 - 11:15 a.m.

Eastern Idaho Public Health District has confirmed the first two cases of coronavirus in Jefferson County. This brings the total number of cases in this region to six.

The first confirmed case is a woman over the age of 65. She was not hospitalized and is self-isolating in her home. The point of transmission was connected with travel outside the country.

The second patient in Jefferson County to test positive for coronavirus is a male over the age of 65. He is self-isolating at home and has connected his case to travel out of the country.

Officials are currently investigating both of these cases further and will contact others who may have been exposed.

March 24 - 8:17 a.m.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppeson will join AARP Idaho to host an additional statewide coronavirus briefing via telephone town hall. 

The hour-long session will be begin at noon and will provide updated information regarding coronavirus in Idaho. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance. The discussion can also be streamed on Facebook Live.

March 23 - 6 p.m.

The Idaho State Board of Education approved a plan Monday to close all public school districts and charter schools to students until at least April 20. Schools are closed for spring break this week, but the plan will continue a “soft closure” until next month. Greg Wilson, Governor Little’s Senior Policy Advisor for Education, spoke at the board’s phone meeting and explained campuses will be closed to students, but that staff will still be working on essential services including, food, childcare and remote learning. 

The board said schools could remain closed after April 20, but it will assess and adapt to the situation in the coming weeks.

March 23 - 5:38 p.m.

Blaine County law enforcement agencies are warning residents that violating the county isolation order could land them in jail.

In a joint statement, police chiefs and the county sheriff reminded residents that violating the order to stay home, except for essential activities, could result in a misdemeanor charge that carries the possibility of a fine, imprisonment, or both.

The order allows individuals to leave their residence to:

• Participate in essential activities
• Obtain healthcare services
• Provide services to, or perform work on, essential infrastructure
• Perform essential government functions
• Work at an essential business
• Maintain minimum basic operations for a business
• Travel to and from essential activities, healthcare services, work on essential infrastructure, work at essential government functions, work at an essential business, and using an essential business.
• Any individual conducting any of the above activities must comply with the Social Distancing Regulations.

More information on the order can be found here.

March 23 - 5:00 p.m.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Idaho has ticked up again. The state website is officially reporting a total of 50 cases, showing an additional case in Canyon County and two more in Ada County. But numbers are slightly higher according to the indivual public health districts.

Central District Health is reporting a total of 20 cases for Ada County, while South Central District Health is showing a total of 36 in Blaine County — more cases than the number currently reported by the state. Southwest District Health sent out a press release Monday afternoon that announced additional Canyon County cases, bringing the total there to five. Also left out of the state's Monday number report is the first confirmed case in Cassia County and the first two confirmed cases in Bannock County. Taking into consideration all of the numbers reported by public health districts, this brings the statewide total of coronavirus cases to 69.

March 23 - 4:00 p.m.

Blaine County’s search and rescue organization is urging people to avoid going into the backcountry because of a shortage of rescue personnel due to coronavirus.

“We urge folks to consider that any backcountry rescue will tax our resources. At this time we are discouraging people from going into the backcountry unless they are fully prepared, trained, and equipped to self-rescue,” Blaine County Search and Rescue wrote in a Facebook post.  

March 23 - 3:43 p.m.

Owyhee County officials are asking visitors to stay away to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

A press release from the county said the area experienced an “overwhelming” number of out of county visitors and increased reports of trespassing on private lands.

The release points to guidelines issued by President Donald Trump and Idaho Gov. Brad Little to reduce activities to essential travel.

“Please do the right thing and stay home,” it reads. “Don’t endanger our citizens, our Law Enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medical personnel by your selfish action.”

March 23 - 3:19 p.m.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean is issuing an order requiring social distancing for the next 30 days.

The order goes into effect at midnight Tuesday and includes the following rule for any outdoor or indoor venue, business or event:

• Groups of no more than 10 people
• Each group must be accommodated at least six feet away from each other
• Carry-out, drive-through and delivery services are allowed
• Employees at businesses are encouraged to take measures to maintain a distance of at least six feet
• Follow heightened cleanliness practices by disinfecting all frequently touched surfaces after human contact and all staff must wash their hands frequently in accordance with CDC guidelines
• Commercial and public transportation providers must follow heightened cleanliness practices

Grocery stores, sites providing social services, medical facilities or governmental agencies are exempt from this Order. The full Order can be viewed online here. Mayor McLean also shared more information during a Facebook Live session.

March 23 - 3:35 p.m.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little will give an update on the state's effort to combat the novel coronavirus at 4 p.m. Tune in live here.

March 23 - 3:06 p.m.  

Eagle Mayor Jason Pierce has ordered all city playgrounds closed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to a city news release.

The order goes into immediate effect in the Treasure Valley town and also includes park drinking fountains.

Parks and trails remain open but the city says visitors should abide by The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines of maintaining six feet between people and practicing proper hygiene. For more information, visit https://www.cityofeagle.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=109

March 23 - 1:40 p.m.  

Southeastern Idaho Public Health has confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in Bannock County.

These are the first two confirmed cases in the county, which is in southeastern Idaho and includes Pocatello.

Both patients are men in their 30s who have a history of travel, though an investigation is ongoing to determine how they got the virus, according to Southeastern Idaho Public Health. 

Both are recovering at their homes. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in Idaho to more than 60 (these numbers are changing fast and may be outdated). 

March 23 - 12:55 p.m.

The Idaho State Board of Pharmacy has issued a temporary order limiting the dispensing of two drugs that President Donald Trump incorrectly said the Food And Drug Administration had approved for treating the novel coronavirus.

The drugs are chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine and they have not been approved for treating coronavirus. The state order tightens the rules about the prescription needed for the drugs and how much can be dispensed at once. It also says patients will need a new prescription for each refill.

To read the full order, visit https://bop.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/99/2020/03/2020_03_18_FAQ_COVID.pdf

March 23 - 12:54 p.m.  

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Idaho small businesses suffering “substantial economic injury” from the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to Gov. Brad Little’s office.

Qualifying businesses may get loans of up to $2 million to help with operating expenses and financial obligations that could have been met if not for the pandemic.

Financial impact on the business from the pandemic will determine eligibility. For more information, visit https://commerce.idaho.gov/covid-19/

March 23 - 10:17 a.m.

South Central Public Health District and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare have announced the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Cassia County.

The individual who tested positive is a woman in her 70s who has been hospitalized. Officials say she hosted visitors in her home from areas with documented community spread, which is likely how she contracted her virus.

More information about the woman’s status and symptoms were not immediately available.

March 23 - 10:14 a.m.

The Idaho State Board of Education is holding a special teleconference to discuss the public education plan amid the COVID-19 pandemic Monday, March 23 at 3:30 p.m. Interested in listening in? Call (877) 820-7829 and use the following participation code: 9096313.

March 23 - 7:55 a.m.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Idaho Power will be suspending disconnections and waiving late fees for residential and small business customers. On its website, Idaho Power says if customers see a late fee on their bill during these uncertain times, there is no need for action — it will be automatically credited back the following month.

March 22 - 2:25 p.m.

Three Ada County residents and one Valley County resident who have tested positive for COVID-19 were found to have all traveled recently in Blaine County. The county, which includes the tourist towns of Ketchum, Sun Valley and Hailey, have one of the highest confirmed rates of the novel coronavirus in the state.

Due to community spread of the virus, officials of the Central District Health on Sunday asked any travelers who visited Blaine County from March 8 through March 22 to shelter in place.  

“While this is guidance, and not an official order,” explained Russ Duke, “we are strongly urging any community members this applies to, to do the right thing.”

Shelter-in-place refers to the practice of staying at home for a period of 14 days to self-monitor for the onset of any symptoms associated with the coronavirus. 

“We all have a personal responsibility to do the right thing,” said Duke, “to protect ourselves, our community and the entire state of Idaho.”

March 22 - 12:00 p.m. 

The Panhandle Health District announced today three new cases of the novel coronavirus in Kootenai County, which would bring the district total to six cases. The cases announced today involve one child and two adults in their 30s, who are each self-isolating at home. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare doesn’t immediately add new district cases to its Idaho statewide counts, because further confirmations are conducted at the state level, before updating statewide tallies.

News & Updates:

• The Idaho Official Resources for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates
• World Health Organization Coronavirus Updates
• NPR Coronavirus Coverage

Resources:

• Coronavirus FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
• When And How To Wash Your Hands
• CDC U.S.Map
• Johns Hopkins World Map
• Idaho Governor Brad Little's Facebook
• Idaho Governor Brad Little's COVID-19 Twitter