Governor Brad Little signed an executive order Wednesday banning state entities from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
“My executive order bans any state of Idaho governmental entity from requiring vaccine passports, or proof of vaccination, in order for citizens to receive public services or access facilities,” Little said during a brief announcement Wednesday afternoon.
He said he worries vaccine passports would violate people’s privacy rights and discriminate against people unable to get the vaccine.
Little’s announcement follows those from other Republican officials across the country who’ve prohibited vaccine requirements. Idaho’s executive order just extends to public entities. But some other states like Florida have said their vaccine passport ban is for private businesses, too.
Little also praised Idahoans who had chosen to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of Wednesday, 326,633 Idahoans -- or about 23% of the state’s 16 and older population -- have been fully vaccinated. That includes nearly 60% of residents 65 and older.
Find reporter Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen
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