On Monday, Governor Little announced in a press conference that Idaho would be moved back to Stage 3 of the Idaho Rebounds plan. On October 27, 2020 at 12:00 am MST, the following restrictions will be put in effect:
- Indoor gatherings will be limited to 50 or less people
- Outdoor gatherings will stay at 25% capacity of less
- Social distancing will be encouraged
- Nightclubs may only operate as bars
- Employers are asked to continue allowing employees to work remotely or make safety accommodations for in-person work
- Long-term care facilities will require masks on the premises
Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow), a member of Governor Little’s Economic Rebound Advisory Committee, had mixed sentiments over the Governor’s decision to move Idaho back to Stage 3.
“Governor Little has taken a small step in the right direction by moving Idaho back to Stage 3, but he needs to start sprinting in the right direction.” Nelson said. “There are minimal differences between Stages 3 and 4 in Idaho’s Rebound plan because these stages are meant to be used after Idaho has turned the corner and significantly reduced the danger of contracting coronavirus. Idahoans are in more danger than ever. Coronavirus cases are rapidly increasing in every corner of the state and our hospitals are in crisis mode. In Kootenai county and Twin Falls county, their hospitals are completely full.”
“Idahoans need a lifeline. The Governor has tried the personal responsibility strategy and it’s simply not working. The longer that we refuse to acknowledge that coronavirus is a serious threat and take meaningful action to keep Idahoans healthy, the more freedoms we lose. Idahoans have already lost so many freedoms while their government is playing political games. Idahoans don’t have the freedom to have our kids safely in school, the freedom to shop without the fear of contracting a deadly virus, or the freedom to physically visit a loved one without putting their lives in danger. Our communities are on the verge of losing the freedom to visit the hospital because Idaho hospitals are overflowing with coronavirus patients. We all miss going out to restaurants, seeing our families in person, and going to large social gatherings. No one enjoys isolation and social distancing, but the increasing danger of coronavirus will restrict our freedoms until public officials take the necessary steps to keep Idahoans safe.”