What the differences between Boise’s and Idaho’s reopening plans might mean for you
Idaho is in Stage 2 of its COVID reopening plan, and the city of Boise is as well — but the two plans are not identical.
That has led to some confusion for residents and business owners, although city officials say now that Boise basically will move in step with the rest of the state barring any hyper-local virus spikes.
Now, like everywhere else in Idaho, Boiseans can get haircuts or head to the nail salon. But what exactly are the differences between the capital city and the rest of the state?
What language differences in plans mean
Cities (as well as counties and public health districts) are permitted to put more stringent restrictions in place than what the state has enacted, which is what happened in Boise.
The biggest difference between Idaho’s reopening plan, brought forth by Gov. Brad Little, and Boise’s, from Mayor Lauren McLean, is that in some cases, what the state only recommends, the city requires.
For instance, when it comes to social distancing rules, Little’s Stay Healthy order says that people “should adhere to the social distancing and sanitation requirements” listed in the order. In Boise, that “should” changes to a “shall,” meaning “individuals shall maintain at least six (6) feet minimum physical distancing from other individuals, whenever possible.”
“Shall” might not seem like a big difference, but it is in legal terms. When an order says a person or entity “shall” do something, that something is required. “Should” simply means it is a recommendation.
Along that line, the state recommends that people wash their hands with soap and water as frequently as possible, cover their coughs and sneezes, and stay home if sick. The city requires all of that in its order — though granted, it’s not something that’s easy to police.
There are some similarities as well. Both Idaho and Boise have banned gatherings of more than 10 people, and both orders simply encourage people to wear face coverings while in public. It’s not a requirement. Businesses allowed to open under the state’s order are also allowed to open under Boise’s order, given that they follow cleaning protocols.
What if I don’t follow the requirements?
It’s possible, even likely, that nothing will happen.
Enforcement has been minimal in Idaho. In Boise, not a single person has been cited or charged for violating the various stay-home and stay-safe orders.
“We don’t want to clog the courts and we don’t want to clog the jails,” McLean told reporters at a news conference in April, saying that she didn’t want to contribute to a backlog of cases or a high number of people at the Ada County Courthouse.
McLean said repeatedly that the city is focusing on education instead, something Little has also stressed.
That means you may see what the city calls “social ambassadors” walking around parks, reminding people to respect social distancing requirements. The “ambassadors” are city employees whose jobs have been repurposed for the time being, and they’ll be wearing city uniforms and orange safety vests.
Technically, the city still can enforce the order. Violations are misdemeanors, and McLean has said that ticketing violators is still on the table.
What is reopened in Boise?
As the second stage started, Boise opened up several of its public spaces again, with plans to open more within weeks.
If you want to get outside, you can play a round at the Quail Hollow or Warm Springs golf courses, play tennis or pickleball at a Boise park or kayak the Boise Whitewater Park. Fenced dog parks are open, including Together Treasure Valley Dog Island at Ann Morrison Park, and people can make reservations for Boise park shelters and picnic sites for June 1 and later.
Access to the Boise Airport is still limited. Ticketed passengers are allowed through, as are those helping passengers with arrival or departure. Picking people up or dropping them off in cars are allowed, but large gatherings to welcome people home are not.
The Boise Library is beginning to offer limited services once again, including letting people drop off their checked-out materials and pick up what they have on hold from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. (Due dates on all materials have been extended until June 17.)
E-scooters are back in town, and the three scooter companies that operate in Boise — Lime, Spin and Bird — have all put out part of their fleet.
Some city services are still limited or strictly online. Public meetings, including of the Boise City Council and of the Planning and Zoning Commission, are happening remotely, with public testimony. Those looking to participate in meetings can visit cityofboise.org/virtual-meetings.
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