Coronavirus: Boise extends rent forgiveness; find a job in this online job fair
If you are in the market for a job, take note.
The Idaho Job and Career Fair will host a free virtual job fair on May 6-7 for those looking for work in the Treasure Valley. Job seekers will be able to network online with companies from from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 7.
The online event will pair up those looking for work and companies seeking to fill positions while maintaining the need for social distancing amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
A variety of open jobs requiring different skills will be featured, according to a news release from Meridian-based Idaho Business League Events Inc., which is putting on the fair. Jobs will range from full to part-time work, including seasonal and temporary work.
Job seekers can sign up and create a profile at idahocareerfair.com to view job postings. Companies looking to post a job opening during the event can call IBL Events at 208-376-0464, or email info@ibleventsinc.com.
Community spread reported in 2 more counties, more deaths
Two more coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Nez Perce County on Monday evening. The county’s death total now sits at 15, and a number of those are connected to a care center in Lewiston.
Monday brought news of community spread in two new Idaho counties: Bannock and Owyhee. Health officials define community spread as when someone contracts the virus despite not traveling or having contact with other COVID-19 patients.
With new cases being reported in Ada, Canyon and Payette counties on Monday, the state’s coronavirus case total sits at 1,793.
Community spread has been reported in 17 of Idaho’s 44 counties: Ada, Bannock, Bingham, Blaine, Bonneville, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Jefferson, Jerome, Kootenai, Lemhi, Owyhee, Madison, Payette, Teton and Twin Falls.
Boise extends rent forgiveness
Boise will forgive rent at city-owned properties through May, marking the second month the city has done so.
The city also put a moratorium on evictions from its properties for the same amount of time, Karen Boe, spokeswoman for Mayor Lauren McLean, confirmed Tuesday.
Boise originally told renters in late March that it would forgive rent for April “in recognition of the potential hardship on our residents resulting from the coronavirus,” the Statesman previously reported. In Idaho, about one of every seven workers has filed for unemployment.
Some Boiseans, including members of Boise Renters United, have asked McLean to cancel rent and place a moratorium on evictions throughout the city. McLean has not expressed a willingness to do so.
“Without invoking martial law or police powers, I do not have the authority to halt evictions,” she told the media last week during a video news conference, adding that it takes a lot to decide to use those powers.
Sparklight extends late-bill leniency, discount internet offer
Sparklight, formerly Cable One, said Tuesday that it will extend through June 30 its waiver of late charges and disconnections of internet services for home and small-business customers who cannot pay their bills because of disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The company also said it will continue through June 30 its 15 megabits-per-second home internet plan for a temporary rate of $10 per month. The offer is intended to help seniors, college students and low-income families.
Customers can call 877-692-2253 for more information.
Sparklight also has set up free WiFi hot spots in local office parking lots, including its lot at 8400 Westpark St., west of the Boise Towne Square mall in Boise.
Business Editor David Staats contributed.
This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 9:38 AM.
