On Friday, Governor Brad Little announced that the Idaho National Guard would be mobilized through executive order to assist in the response to the coronavirus pandemic. He also rolled Idaho back to Stage 2 of the Idaho Rebounds plan with modifications to the previously outlined guidelines. Under the new Stage 2 plan, gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited (government and churches are exempt), at-risk Idahoans are encouraged to self-isolate, telework is recommended, and bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will still continue to operate.
Representative Melissa Wintrow/(D-Boise), a member of the Governor’s Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee, expressed deep concern with the ongoing coronavirus response.
“Idaho is bleeding from a gaping wound and the Governor’s announcement is another bandaid.” Rep. Wintrow said. “The Governor acknowledged in his press conference that our hospitals are weeks away from having to ration care because many people are not wearing masks and practicing physical distancing, and many state and local leaders are not taking the threat seriously or encouraging responsibility in their communities. We implore Governor Little and other GOP leaders to find the compassion to prioritize the lives of Idahoans over political fights. As one of the medical professionals said during the Governor’s press conference, opinions are not facts and we need facts to guide our decisions to fight a deadly, contagious virus.”
“Our healthcare workers are already giving 110% and the pandemic is worsening on a daily basis in Idaho. It’s painfully clear that the personal responsibility strategy is not working. We’ve been trying to encourage people to care about the lives of fellow Idahoans enough to wear a mask for months and our coronavirus cases have continued to increase. The Idaho National Guard will be incredibly helpful to hospitals, but we are not ultimately solving the root cause of our problem. State leaders need to take stronger, decisive action immediately to prevent thousands of people from dying in the coming months. The extremist fight for personal freedom, despite overwhelming evidence about the dangers of not wearing a mask, should not infringe on Idahoans’ right to stay safe and healthy.”