On Monday, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced the Economic Recovery Task Force, a partnership with local organizations, including Boise State University and Albertsons.
The pandemic forced businesses across the state to close or restrict business for about two months and McLean says part of recovery is continuing to take steps to reduce the virus’s spread, like social distancing.
“This is going to be a situation that we have to actively manage for the next six to 18 months to make sure that we aren't having the fits and starts that could hurt our economy even more than having had shut down,” she said during a virtual press conference.
Idaho started Phase Two of its reopening Saturday. That means businesses like restaurants, barbershops and salons can open with proper social distancing measures. Bars can reopen during Phase Three, which could start at the end of the month.
Enforcement of Idaho’s restrictions has been uneven, as has adherence to the rules. Overwhelming majorities of Idahoans have supported state efforts to curb the virus’s spread but there have been protests against the rules and several businesses openly violating state rules.
Follow Heath Druzin on Twitter, @HDruzin
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