Liquor? Guns? Medication? See what you can still buy during Idaho’s stay-home order
As the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus continues to grow in Idaho, residents have been ordered to stay home if at all possible, but some businesses will remain open.
Gov. Brad Little issued a 21-day order on Wednesday asking residents to shelter in place. The order is an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. Little’s order does have exemptions.
Only businesses that are deemed “essential” by the state will remain open during the rest of the order. The exemptions have been the subject of many questions, so the Statesman has outlined some key points to explain why there are exceptions.
Will Idahoans run out of food? No. Grocery stores are open and farmers and ranchers with livestock can keep working.
Will Idahoans be able to get prescription drugs? Yes, of course. Pharmacies are open. Many pharmacies are offering drive-up services or delivery options, to keep large numbers of people out of drug stores. Residents are asked to call their pharmacy ahead of time to ask about those options.
What about access to gasoline? Absolutely. Gas stations are open, but the governor discourages all unnecessary travel.
What is essential?
Some basic businesses deemed “essential” are grocery stores, health care facilities, utility services, gas stations, pharmacies, essential state and local government functions, laundromats/laundry services, financial institutions, residential and home-based care, veterinary services, hardware stores, and limited child care for essential workers.
Some of the essential businesses are open for obvious needs. The governor isn’t shutting down the police or fire departments, which fall into the “local government” category.
“Health care facilities” are staying open in an effort to save the lives of those who test positive for the virus.
“Laundromats” are staying open for those who don’t own a washer and dryer, but need to comply with the federal recommendations about remaining hygienic during the global pandemic.
Other “essential” businesses came as more of a surprise to some, including Idaho’s liquor stores.
Jeff Anderson, director of the Idaho State Liquor Division, issued a statement Wednesday saying that liquor stores will remain open and have normal hours of operation.
Some liquor stores may have to close due to staffing shortages over illness or child-care issues, but most will be open, according to the press release from the state agency.
Child care services
Little’s order does not mandate that child care services stay open, but says they may stay open amid the 21-day shutdown.
During his Wednesday press conference, Little did say it is crucial that people who work in essential businesses, such as health care providers, have access to child care so they can work.
“To the extent possible, child care facilities must operate under the following condition: child care must be carried out in as small and stable groups as possible,” according to a copy of the order’s conditions.
Gun purchases still available
Second-amendment advocates may rest easy, as the governor is not closing any businesses that sell, buy or trade guns.
Under Idaho Code 46-601, during an “extreme emergency,” Idaho’s governor may not “impose additional restrictions on the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transport, storage, display or use of firearms or ammunition.”
That means gun shops are still open during the pandemic. If a local gun shop chooses to close, that is the owner’s decision.
Local gun and ammunition businesses told the Idaho Statesman last week that sales have spiked since the coronavirus spread into Idaho.
Mail service, plumbing, electricians, and more
Several other businesses deemed essential by Gov. Little include the U.S. mail service and USPS postal boxes, as well as other forms of shipping services.
Electricians, plumbers and landscapers will work when necessary to provide “safety and sanitation” to homes.
Banks, credit unions and financial institutions needed to provide money or process payments for residents will stay open. Some of them have limited hours and most will limit the number of employees working.
Educational institutions, including K-12 schools, colleges and universities, will also stay open but distance learning is encouraged “to the greatest extent possible.” Little had previously left school closures largely up to each school district.
Social distancing requirements
Idaho residents still may go outdoors, but are required to keep a 6-foot distance from other people. That rules out any sports that require touching and means no crowds in parks.
Many cities, including Boise, Meridian and Nampa, have shut down their playground equipment, but have kept pathways and parks open for pedestrians.
Hiking, walking, running and riding bikes is still allowed, as long as residents keep their distance from each other.
More on COVID-19
The symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, sore throat, joint and bone pain, headache and chills.
The coronavirus is believed to have a higher mortality rate than seasonal flu, especially among the elderly and people with other health conditions or compromised immune systems.
As of Thursday, more than 140 people in Idaho had tested positive for the coronavirus, spreading across 17 different counties.
Anyone who believes they may have coronavirus should contact their medical provider. If they don’t have a primary care provider, residents can call 2-1-1 or call a local health care clinic for advice.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 12:40 PM.
