Wondering what the coronavirus stay-home order in Idaho entails? Here are the guidelines
Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a statewide stay-home order Wednesday afternoon to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease.
The Idaho Statesman has compiled a list of guidelines provided by the governor’s office. Violation of or failure to comply with this order could constitute a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. The order will continue until 11:59 p.m. April 15, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded or amended.
Stay home most of the time
▪ All residents of Idaho must stay and work from home as much as possible, unless you work in health care, public safety or an identified “essential business” as defined in the order.
▪ Residents can leave homes to obtain or provide essential services.
▪ People at higher risk (over 65 and/or health-compromised) should avoid leaving their homes. This wasn’t included in the order but was in the guidance issued by the governor’s office in advance of the order.
▪ Employers that do not provide essential services as defined in the order must take all steps necessary for employees to work remotely from home.
▪ The order exempts individuals experiencing homelessness, but urges them to find shelter or contact a government agency that can help.
▪ No individual who is sick may go to the workplace or be outside the home except as necessary to seek or receive medical care.
What are ‘essential’ facilities and services?
Among the services deemed essential are grocery stores, health care facilities, all utilities, gas stations, pharmacies, essential state and local government functions, laundromats/laundry services, financial institutions, residential and home-based care, veterinary services, hardware stores, limited child care for essential workers, infrastructure, and other businesses essential to the safety and well-being of residents. Restaurants are only open for drive-thru, carry-out or delivery. See the full list under Section 8 of the order.
What isn’t essential?
Indoor gyms, recreational facilities, nightclubs, bars, cafes, entertainment venues, convention centers, hair and nail salons, public events/gatherings and dine-in restaurants. Idahoans shall not host or participate in public or private gatherings and multi-person activities for social, spiritual or recreational purposes, regardless of the number of people involved. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, sporting events, parades, concerts, festivals, conventions and fundraisers. The prohibition also applies to planned wedding and funeral events, with the exception that funerals are permitted so long as they occur outside and comply with social-distancing requirements.
Limit transit/travel
Residents can only use public transit to provide or obtain essential services. All non-essential travel must cease.
What you can do
▪ Go to the grocery store or pharmacy to get food, medicine and supplies.
▪ Go outside for exercise near your home, but maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from those not in your household.
▪ Visit the restaurants that are open for takeout or curbside delivery.
▪ Cook a balanced meal, per CDC recommendations.
▪ Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces using soap and water or bleach solutions, including tables, door knobs, light-switches, phones, keyboards. Wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and do not shake hands.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 3:36 PM.
