Thursday 7/2/20: 253 new cases reported

Thursday 7/2/20

Once again, Idaho posted another day of 200 plus new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. The final tally was 253 new cases, but no new deaths occurred leaving that number at 92.

The state has reported over 200 cases every day for over a week.

Ada County continues to lead the way in the number of new cases – with 327 new cases so far this week. Canyon County follows just behind that with 195 new cases this week.

The largest number of cases are among people ages 18-29, which is 34% of the state’s cases.

Wednesday 7/1/20

According to the state’s COVID-19 website, there were 365 new cases on Tuesday; 341 new cases were confirmed and 24 were probable. That blew the previous record out of the water by over 100 new cases, set last week.

The state has reported over 200 cases every day for the last several days.

The total number of cases in Idaho has blown up to 6,117 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases.

Ada County holds the most number of cases with a total of 2,169, which is 35% of the state’s cases.

Idaho has reported 92 virus-related deaths.

Tuesday 6/30/20

The state of Idaho added 209 new cases of COVID-19 between Sunday and Monday. The total now is 5,752.

It’s a number that is also based on both probable and confirmed cases.

Of the new 209 cases reported, Ada County is responsible for 83 of them.

Canyon County also added 57 to that count.

Monday 6/29/20

Idaho reported 171 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, which is 112 less than Friday’s single day high of 283.

The Gem State also reports one new death, in Jerome County for a total of 91 deaths now.

Half of the new cases reported Saturday were in the 18-29 age group category.

Ada County was Idaho’s hot spot, reporting 650 new cases for the week ending Saturday.

Friday 6/26/20

Idaho reported 220 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, that’s 23 less than Wednesday’s single day high of 243.

The new Gem State totals are 4,865 cases and 90 deaths.

The 18-29 age group category has the highest number of cases. Almost half of the new cases reported Thursday were in this age group, which now has 1,520 total cases.

This week Ada County is Idaho’s hot spot, reporting 394 new cases, so far.

Ada County has now reported 1,585 cases, which is almost a third of Idaho’s total COVID-19 cases.

Go to CoronaVirus.Idaho.Gov for more information.

Thursday 6/25/20

Idaho reported 243 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday (6/24), for a total of 4,645 cases.

In Ada County a person over 70 died due to the virus for a told of 90 deaths in Idaho.

Ada County has the highest number of new cases, gaining 293 so far this week for a total of 1,484 cases, the most in Idaho.

Canyon County has 108 new cases so far this week.

For more information go to CoronaVirus.idaho.gov.

Wednesday 6/24/20

Idaho reported 148 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday (6/23), for a total of 4,402 cases and 89 deaths.

The 18-29 age group category has the most cases of any age group and since Monday added 85 new cases for a total of 1,306.

Ada County has the highest number of new cases, gaining 192 so far this week for a total of 1,383 cases, the most in Idaho.

Canyon County has 53 new cases so far this week.

Tuesday 6/23/20

Idaho reported 164 new cases of COVID-19 Monday (6/22) for a total of 4,254 cases and 89 deaths.

Ada County is reporting the highest number of new cases gaining 116, for a total of 1,307 total cases, which is by far the most in Idaho.

Healthcare workers account for 416 of the total cases.

For more information go to CoronaVirus.idaho.gov.

MONDAY 6/22/20

The numbers of COVID-19 cases are surging in Idaho.

Idaho reported 135 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, for a total of 4,006 cases in Idaho. Of course, there was no report on Sunday, so we will most likely see inflated numbers when the new cases are posted today at 5pm.

Ada County reported the highest number of new cases last week (ending 6/20) gaining 275, for a total of 1,166 cases, which is by far the most in Idaho.

There have been 89 deaths in Idaho (59 of those deaths have been people over 80).

For more information go to CoronaVirus.idaho.gov.

Friday 6/19/2020

Idaho reported 111 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, 6/18/2020, for a total of 3,743 cases.

There have been 89 deaths in Idaho.

Thursday 6/18/20

Idaho reported 92 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, 6/17/2020, for a total of 3,632 cases.

There have been 88 deaths in Idaho, 67% of those were over 80.

Wednesday 6/17/20

Idaho reported 78 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, 6/16/2020, for a total of 3,540 cases.

There have been 88 deaths in Idaho and 59 of those people were over 80 years old, according to CoronaVirus.idaho.gov.

Tuesday 6/16/20

Idaho reported 54 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, 6/15/2020, for a total of 3,462 cases.

The Idaho Statesman reports Idaho’s death toll also grew by one to 89 on Monday as the Panhandle Health District reported the first coronavirus-related death in its region. The deceased was a man in his 70s from Kootenai County.

On Saturday, 6/13/2020, Eastern Idaho Public Health announced the first death in its district — a woman in her 80s from Bonneville County who had underlying health conditions.

Monday 6/15/20

Idaho reported 46 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, 6/13/2020, for a total of 3,399 cases and 87 deaths.

Friday 6/12/20

Thursday 6/11/20

Wednesday  6/10/20

Tuesday 6/9/20

MONDAY 6/8/20

Friday 6/5/20

Idaho is starting to see a spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases.

The Idaho Department Health & Welfare reported 57 new coronavirus cases each on Wednesday and Thursday, and unlike other recent days with spikes, the cases weren’t concentrated in any particular county or area.

The Idaho Press reports, instead, every region of the state appears to be showing new cases.

Nearly half of Idaho’s counties — 23 of the 44 — are reporting community spread.

The Idaho Department Health & Welfare says this is a good time to remember that people really need to be taking these recommended precautions seriously.

Thursday 6/4/20

Wednesday 6/3/20

Tuesday 6/2/20

MONDAY 6/1/20

Idaho began stage 3 of the governors plan to re-open Idaho. Bars were allowed to open on Saturday – and yes, many were full of people who were happy to finally be able to go out and enjoy themselves.

Some social distancing was part of the deal, and many people did exactly that, while others were not quite as worries as others.

The question is: will numbers of COVID-19 begin to spike?

The number of new coronavirus cases is now 2,839. That number, released on Saturday is 36 higher than on Friday.

There have also been 82 Deaths reported in Idaho.

FRIDAY 5/29/20

Idaho is reporting 38 new cases of COVID-19 today for a total of 2,769 cases.

We’ve had 82 fatalities in Idaho due to the virus.

Out of the 2,769 cases 2,195 have recovered.

Thursday 5/28/20

Idaho is reporting 32 new cases of COVID-19 today for a total of 2,731 cases.

One person died today. There have been 82 fatalities in Idaho due to the virus.

Out of the 2,731 cases 2,185 have recovered.

Wednesday 5/27/20

There were 15 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday.

Idaho is now reporting 2,699 cases.

There have been 81 fatalities in Idaho due to the virus.

1,609 tests were completed today.

In total, 42,776 tests have been administered.

Out of the 2,699 cases 2,100 have recovered.

There were 61 new cases of COVID-19 Friday.

Idaho is now reporting 2,595 cases.

Two people died today, both in Twin Falls County.

There have been 79 fatalities in Idaho due to the virus.

Friday 5/22/20

There were 28 new cases of COVID-19 on THURSDAY.

Idaho is now reporting 2,534 cases.

There have been 77 fatalities in Idaho due to the virus.

702 tests were completed today.

In total, 39,362 tests have been administered.

Out of the 2,534 cases 1,720 have recovered.

Thursday 5/21/20

There were 30 new cases of COVID on WEDNESDAY.

Idaho is now reporting 2,506 cases.

There have been 77 fatalities in Idaho due to the virus.

Wednesday 5/20/20

There were 21 new cases of COVID on TUESDAY.

Idaho is now reporting 2,476 cases.

There were 3 fatalities, one in Ada county, and 2 in Twin Falls county.

There have been 77 fatalities in Idaho due to the virus.

38,344 tests have been administered.

1,668 have recovered.

Monday 5/18/20

On Friday evening, Idaho recorded some 34 new cases of COVID-19. That number on Saturday was just 17 new cases.

Idaho does not put out new numbers on Sunday, so the state is reporting 2,419 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 73 deaths, thru the weekend – with new numbers set to be released today at 5pm.

Friday 5/15/20

The numbers of coronavirus cases did not go up again on Thursday – with a slight tick down in the statewide tracking numbers.

There were 27 new cases that were confirmed and probable on Thursday and a couple of new deaths reported.

Idaho is reporting 2,351 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 72 deaths.

Thursday Update:

There were 31 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed and probable on Tuesday. Thats just a few less cases than was reported the day before.

Idaho is now reporting 2,324 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19. The death count did not rise on Wednesday, as Idaho continues to have 69 deaths reported due to the virus.

The state had reported 70 deaths on Monday, but reduced it by one after one of the victims was from another country.

Governor Brad Little is set to hold a presser today at 1pm. It’s expected he will push Idaho into Stage 2 of his plan to re-open Idaho’s economy. You can hear the presser LIVE at 1pm today on 670 KBOI.

Wednesday Update:

The curve has been flattening in Idaho, but a little bit on a bump is being reported with 33 new cases confirmed and probable on Tuesday.

Idaho is reporting 2,293 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 70 deaths.

Through May 12, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports 214 hospitalizations, 88 admissions to the ICU and 278 health care workers who have been infected.

The hospital and health care numbers are based on cases with completed investigations into contacts, not the full number of positives. About 6.4% of Idaho’s tests have been positive.

Tuesday Update:

The latest numbers from the state of Idaho indicates the Gem State continues to flatten the curve.

Idaho is reporting 2,260 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 70 deaths.

There were 14 new cases that were confirmed and probable on Monday. Healthcare workers account for 275 of those cases, which is about 12% of all cases.

According to the Idaho government’s official coronavirus website, 1,508 cases have recovered (which is counted as people who have not died 30 days after onset symptoms).

Cases of hospitalization are at 210, with 87 of those cases being admitted to ICU.

Monday Update:

Idaho public health officials are monitoring the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation very closely. Idaho is currently reporting 2,230 confirmed and probable cases. That’s an increase of 25 cases.

There have now been 67 deaths to date recorded in Idaho due to the virus.

Next update will be at 5 p.m. today.

Thursday 5/7/20

Idaho added 31 new COVID cases Wednesday for a total of 2,158.

One person died in Payette County for a total of 66 fatalities in Idaho.

Wednesday 5/6/20

Idaho is reporting 2,127 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 65 deaths.

There were 21 new cases that were confirmed and probable on Tuesday.

Healthcare workers account for 267 of those cases, which is about 12% of all cases.

According to the Idaho government’s official coronavirus website, 1,379 cases have recovered (which is counted as people who have not died 30 days after onset symptoms).

TUESDAY 5/5/20

Idaho added 27 new COVID cases Monday for a total of 2,106 cases.  The number of fatalities in Idaho remains at 64.

Monday 5/4/20

Idaho health officials are reporting 2,061 confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus along with 64 deaths.

The state released its latest numbers on Sunday — an increase of 26 cases from the previous day.

The latest numbers come days after Idaho entered into its Stage 1 plan for re-opening businesses and the Idaho economy, which allows some businesses to re-open as long as several rules and guidelines are met, including social distancing.

Restaurants are still only allowed to offer take-out and delivery options and bars are supposed to remain closed.

FRIDAY 5/1/20

Idaho is reporting 2,015 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 63 deaths.

There were 31 new cases that were confirmed and probable on Thursday.

Healthcare workers account for 254 of those cases, which is about 12% of all cases.

According to the Idaho government’s official coronavirus website, 1,175 cases have recovered (which is counted as people who have not died 30 days after onset symptoms).

Thursday 4/30/20

The were no new deaths due to COVID-19 on Wednesday – but once again – there were 32 new and probable cases of coronavirus confirmed.

That brings Idaho’s total number of cases to 1,984 since were started keeping track of those numbers in March.

Idaho governor Brad Little will tell us today at 11am if Idaho has met his criteria to move to stage one of his plan to reopen Idaho.

We will have that presser for you LIVE on 670 KBOI at 11am.

If the governor gives the go ahead today – Stage 1 Protocols for opening call for daycares, places of worship and some youth activities to begin again.

However, some churches say they will not re-open immediately, even if the governor says it’s allowed. Many youth organizations have also already canceled activities for the season.

Wednesday 4/29/20

On Tuesday, Idaho recorded 35 New Cases. That puts Idaho now with 1,952 Cases – including both confirmed and probable cases.

• The number of deaths also continues to climb with 2 new deaths due to the virus. But again – the numbers may not be huge, but they do continue.
• If you have symptoms of a fever or cough, you are still advised to call your medical provider to find out if you should be tested for coronavirus.
• Saint Alphonsus became the first hospital Tuesday in Idaho to attempt a new COVID-19 therapy.  Doctors attempted a convalescent plasma therapy on a patient infected by COVID-19. The treatment involves transfusion of plasma donated by a person who has recovered from the virus into a critically-ill patient.The donated plasma holds neutralizing antibodies to fight the virus and could potentially increase the chance of recovery and survival.  Doctors hope the treatment will be effective, instead of waiting months for a vaccine.  Similar plasma antibody therapies were used to treat other viruses, including SARS in 2003, H1N1 in 2009, and MERS in 2012.
• With the state beginning Phase 1 of reopening on May 1, the city of Boise’s plan to reopen is similar.  In Tuesday night’s virtual city council meeting, officials discussed the Governor’s reopening plan for the state, as well as its tentative plans for the reopening of the city itself.
• Idaho Power Friday will start opening more than a dozen popular boat launches and day-use areas for recreation.  The full list is at idahopower.com
  

Tuesday 4/28/20

Monday – Idaho recorded 20 new cases of coronavirus – as well as 2 new deaths.

• Governor Little will host a statewide AARP telephone town hall to provide information and answer questions regarding the coronavirus in Idaho.  The hour-long conversation begins at 12 p.m. Mountain Time.  Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/.
• Governor Little will host a press conference regarding Idaho Rebounds: Stage 1 at 11a.m. this Thursday morning.  670 KBOI will air the governor’s speech live.
• The total number of cases in Idaho is now 1,917 Cases (Total includes confirmed and probable cases)
• The total number of deaths has risen to 58 with the 2 additional Deaths recorded today.
• Also today = Southwest District Health (SWDH) has confirmed detection of community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 in Owyhee County.
• West Valley Medical Center is participating in a national study to help with possible treatment for those hospitalized COVID-19. The hospital says the study is trying to determine whether plasma from recovered patients could help with those who are currently hospitalized with the virus.
• AAA Idaho tells us, if current trends continue, we could see Idaho pump prices dip as low as $1.75 per gallon before it’s all said and done.  Idahoans are paying an average price of $1.84 per gallon.
• The Idaho Department of Labor reported the number of Idaho workers who have lost their jobs to coronavirus surged to nearly 110,000.

Monday 4/27/20

• 10 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed on Sunday in Idaho, bringing our total of confirmed and probable cases to 1,897 cases.
• There have also been 56 Deaths now.
• The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare also tells us 938 people have recovered from COVID-19.
• 234 health care workers are among the people in Idaho who contracted the virus.
• More Information is available at KBOI.com

FRIDAY 4/24/20

• Idaho now has 1,836 of lab confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 with the addition of 34 new cases.
• Idaho’s fatalities remain the same with 54.
• The 18-29 years of age category has 364 cases, the most in any age category.
• 4 more health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19 for a total of 226.
• 19,091 people have now been tested.

Thursday 4/23/20

• The Gem State passed the 1,800 mark today with the addition of 36 new cases of COVID-19.
• Idaho now has 1,802 of lab confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19.
• Three more people died today for a total of 54 fatalities.
• Ada Co has the most with 14
  then Nez Perce Co with 13
  and Twin Falls Co has 11
• So far, 162 people have been hospitalized and 60 have been admitted to ICU.
• 18,092 people have now been tested
• A collaborative effort on the part Idaho businesses to promote testing for antibodies in response to the presence of COVID-19 in the body has resulted in almost 2,000 Treasure Valley residents taking the test. Crush the Curve Idaho, a mass-testing project has tested 1,946 over the past two days at its testing site in Meridian.
• A new federal program will buy $3 billion in food this year from American farmers who lost their markets to coronavirus-driven restrictions and distribute it to people who, for the same reason, are struggling financially.
• Idahoans dealing with stress and anxiety because of the coronavirus crisis can turn to a growing number of free mental-health services.   The Emotional Health Relief Hotline is 833-442-2211, or get more information is online at intermountainhealthcare.org.

Wednesday 4/22/20

The Gem State added 30 new cases of COVID-19.

Idaho now has 1,766 of lab confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19.

Three more people died for a total of 51 fatalities.

So far, 158 people have been hospitalized and 58 have been admitted to ICU.

937 cases are female and 824 cases are male.

The 18-29 years of age category has 350 cases, the most in any age category.

8 more health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19 for a total of 218.

17,730 people have now been tested.

50 more people have recovered for a total of 710.

TUESDAY 4/21/20

The Gem State passed the 1,700 mark – with the addition of 64 new cases .

Idaho now has 1,736 reported cases of COVID-19.

• There were also two additional fatalities reported Monday related to COVID-19. That marks 48 in Idaho – and 12 fatalities in Ada County.
• 209 of Idaho’s health care workers have tested positive
• and 17,562 people have now been tested.
• 660 people have recovered.
• Due to the COVID-19 situation and its uncertainty, Boise School District will not be holding any Summer Driver Education classes.
• Due to COVID-19, Boise State University has lost out on tens of millions of dollars. It now plans to address those issues through mandatory faculty furlough days, among other tactics.
• St. Luke’s announced Monday they are now conducting all COVID-19 lab tests in-house.  This will mean faster test result turnaround times.
• Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris is donating one million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Village at Meridian will be hosting a food drive for the Meridian Food Bank on Wednesday.  The no contact, drop and go food drive will be held in the parking lot along Eagle Road from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• The Idaho High School Activities Association has canceled all spring sports and state tournaments.  The decision comes as Idaho schools remain off-limits to students, as part of a statewide “soft closure” designed to curb the spread of coronavirus.
  

MONDAY 4/20/20

• Idaho recorded 1 additional coronavirus-related death on Sunday, but it was the smallest single-day increase in cases in more than a month.
• The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare had just four new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday for 1,581 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since we started recording the numbers on March 13.
• The Sunday cases came from Blaine, Kootenai and Twin Falls Counties.  In all, 17,445 people have been tested for the disease in Idaho, and about 9% of tests have been positive.
• Beginning Monday, April 20, the drive-up tent screening and specimen collecting for testing at St. Luke’s in Boise, Meridian and Twin Falls will adjust its operating hours to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.  The tent in Wood River is already operating with these adjusted hours and will continue to do so.
• Canyon County announced that the spring cleanup day scheduled for Saturday, April 25, has been canceled.
• Idaho Business for Education has announced a statewide initiative called the Community Activation Project to help students continue their learning while the school buildings across Idaho are closed.

SUNDAY 4/19/20

The state of Idaho is now reporting 1,668 cases of coronavirus, including 13 new cases on Saturday. The numbers include both confirmed and probable cases.

44 people in Idaho have died of the virus. 520 cases are presumed recovered.

As of Saturday, Ada County continues to lead the state with 598 cases and 10 deaths. Blaine County, another hotspot, is reporting 475 cases and 5 deaths.

SATURDAY 4/18/20

Idaho added 46 new COVID-19 cases Friday for a total of 1,655 reported cases.

There were 2 more fatalities for a total of 43 dead from COVID-19.

FRIDAY 4/17/20

Idaho added 22 new COVID-19 cases Thursday for a total of 1,609 reported cases.

If there is a silver lining – it’s that the total of fatalities remains the same as the day before — with 41 dead from COVID-19.

And there is also some other numbers to share today — 390 people have recovered in Idaho, a number now shared on the Division of Public Health graph at coronoavirus.idaho.gov.

• The Idaho State Board of Education Thursday approved minimum criteria for public school districts and charter schools to use in deciding whether to resume normal operations prior to the end of the current school year.
• Thursday, President Donald J. Trump announced that Idaho’s U.S. Senators, Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, will serve with a bipartisan group of congressional colleagues on the White House’s Opening Up America Again Congressional Group.
• Idaho Department of Insurance announced short-term health insurance plans have joined ACA plans in waiving co-sharing for COVID-19 testing and, in some cases, treatment.
• The Canyon County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to extend the local COVID-19 emergency declaration for 30 days.
• The Idaho Department of Labor reported Thursday 95,961 Idahoans have filed for unemployment since a state of emergency was declared due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Thursday 4/16/20

The Coronavirus continues to sicken people across the state.  Idaho added 49 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday for a total of 1,587 reported cases.

• Tragically, 2 more Idahoans died for a total of 41 fatalities from COVID-19.
• Another 6 of Idaho’s health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19 for a total of 172.
• A Transportation Security Agency officer working at Boise Airport tested positive for coronavirus in late March.  Four TSA agents were reported as testing positive for COVID-19. All cases were found in screening agents. None have been found in non-screening agents.
• Boise State University announced Wednesday it will suspend “most” campus events through July 5.
• Boise’s Mayor and Idaho health officials cautioned the community in a statement Wednesday urging people to follow the extended order.  Mayor Lauren McLean said the last thing Boise wants is to have all of our latest sacrifices and struggles to have been for nothing.
• The City of Caldwell announced the opening of Purple Sage and Fairview golf courses with social distancing modifications.
• Food trucks will be allowed to sell and serve hot meals to truckers at Idaho rest areas.  An emergency exemption by the Idaho Transportation Department will allow permitted food trucks to set up at rest areas and offer hot meals to truck drivers and other travelers.

Wednesday 4/15/20

Today marks the end of the initial 21 days stay-home order issued by Governor Brad Little.  The Governor announced the Stay Home Order will remain in effect until at least April 30th, and could last longer.  The order will be re-evaluated at that time.

Idaho added nearly as many fatalities on Tuesday as it did new cases of the virus. 11 new COVID-19 cases were discovered for a total of 1,464 reported cases. Tragically, 6 more Idahoans died for a total of 39 fatalities from COVID-19.

Tuesday 4/14/20  6am

Idaho added 27 new COVID-19 cases Monday which brings us to 1,453 reported cases.  Tragically, 6 more Idahoans died for a total of 33 fatalities.

• Idaho’s public higher education institutions are expected to receive more than $36 million in federal relief funding as a result of the CARES Act approved by Congress and the President.  Half of that money – $18 million must be used as direct emergency financial aid grants to students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption and financial hardship it has created for students across Idaho.
• West Ada launched the teacher-led portion of remote learning Monday after the Idaho Board of Education voted to continue online learning for the rest of the school year.  Resources are available on each school’s website and paper packets are available to pick up from schools. New materials will be posted each week.
• Idaho health and government officials are enacting a voluntary burn ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The respiratory concerns associated with coronavirus have caused officials to put a voluntary ban on burning to reduce smoke impacts in the community.
• It’s the continuation of a now-familiar pattern with the number of people working from home or just not currently employed, the decrease in demand for gas over the past week, has dropped prices by another 17 cents in Idaho.  That’s the largest dip in the Rockies region and the second-largest in the entire country.
• The IRS sent out the first wave of stimulus checks to Americans over the weekend.  The IRS says, they deposited the first Economic Impact Payments into taxpayers’ bank accounts.  When can you expect your payment? Deposits will continue in the days ahead, starting with people who have filed tax returns for 2018 or 2019 and authorized direct deposit.

Monday 4/13/20 8am

Saturday the Gem State passed the 1,400 mark with the addition of 11 new cases of COVID-19. Idaho now has 1,407 reported cases of COVID-19 and 27 fatalities in 32 of 44 Idaho Counties.

• Ada County has 517 cases and 6 fatalities.
• Blaine County has 454 cases and 5 fatalities.
• Canyon County has 146 cases and 5 fatalities.
• Seven Idaho Public Health Districts:
• South Central Public Health has 589 cases and 10 fatalities, more than any other.
• Panhandle Health District 48 Cases.
• North Central Health District has 25 cases and 5 fatalities.
• Southwest District Health has 169 cases and 6 fatalities.
• Central District Health has 535 cases and 6 fatalities.
• Southeastern Idaho Public Health has 10 cases.
• East Idaho Public Health has 31 cases.
• Out of the 1,407 cases, 131 people have been hospitalized, 38 have been admitted to ICU, and 27 have died.
• 51.9% of the total cases are women. The average age of Idahoans with COVID-19 is 46.6 years of age.
• 153 of Idaho’s health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19
• and 14,308 people have been tested.
• As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, so does what people are purchasing. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon was asked what items customers are purchasing that surprise him. The answer? Hair dye. McMillon said lately they have seen more grooming products, because people are starting to need a haircut, so there are more sales of beard trimmers, hair color, and related items.
• The Canyon County Jail has had overcrowding issues in the past, but as of Friday, it’s only around 63% of capacity, but that doesn’t diminish coronavirus concerns. Officials with the jail say that they are making changes to policing efforts, inmate intake and daily operations to ensure they keep the community safe.
• All Ada County household hazardous waste mobile collection sites are suspended until further notice due to COVID-19 concerns. CBS2 reports the permanent site at the landfill located on Seamans Gulch Road is still open to residents on Fridays and Saturdays for essential drop offs only.

SATURDAY 4/11/20 10am

Friday the Gem State added 43 new cases of COVID-19. Idaho now has 1,396 reported cases of COVID-19 in 32 of 44 Idaho Counties. Out of the 1,396 cases, 128 people have been hospitalized, 35 have been admitted to ICU, and 25 have died.

• Ada County has 513 cases and 6 fatalities.
• Blaine County has 452 cases and 5 fatalities.
• Canyon County has 145 cases and 5 fatalities.
• Out of the 1,396 cases, 128 people have been hospitalized, 35 have been admitted to ICU, and 25 have died.
• 51.8% of the total cases are women.
• The average age of Idahoans with COVID-19 is 46.6 years of age.
• 150 of Idaho’s health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19
• 13,764 people have been tested.
• Treasure Valley health care workers afraid of spreading possible contamination of the coronavirus to their family members when they return home have a new housing option. On Friday, Boise State University said it will be temporarily opening up its student housing to the local health care community.
• COVID-19 is now the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. It is now killing more people per day than cancer or heart disease, according to research published in Newsweek that looks at the daily average death rate. WZTV reports the virus is now killing more than 1,900 people per day. Heart disease kills more than 1,700 people a day and cancer kills more than 1,600, according to the data.
• Apple and Google will work on a platform to enable contact tracing, a measure that identifies people who have been exposed to the virus and who they have been in contact with.
• The Hailey City Council voted Friday to extend its Isolation Order for one week in a special City Council meeting. Blaine County’s current order was set to expire on Easter Sunday. All the terms of Hailey’s Order were extended in a three to one motion of the City council until Sunday, April 19. With only three or four days of improved health case statistics coming from Blaine County, they felt it important to allow more time to insure that good results continue. CBS2 reports the order continues restrictions that are more strict than those within the Idaho State Isolation Order currently in effect.
• Students in the West Ada School District will continue distance and online learning. West Ada School District’s mission is to make sure all students are ready for school next fall. Students will move on to their next grade in the fall. Seniors who are on track to graduate will graduate.

FRIDAY 4/10/20 5am

So much for flattening the curve… The number of new coronavirus cases jumped up to 134 on Thursday – to push the Gem State passed the 1,300 mark.  Idaho now has 1,353 reported cases of COVID-19 in 32 of 44 Idaho Counties.

• Since we started tracking the numbers, 127 people have been hospitalized, 33 have been admitted to ICU. Idaho added 5 more deaths on Thursday as well, with 24 people in all having succumbed to the virus.
• 143 of Idaho’s health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19
• 13,094 people have now been tested.
• Idaho workers laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic filed nearly 31,000 new claims for unemployment insurance in the past week.  The Idaho Department of Labor says between March 29 and April 4, 30,904 filed for unemployment, that was a decrease of 6.2 percent from the previous week.
• The Boise School District has called it. All of its schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.  The district’s school board unanimously approved the decision Thursday during a virtual board meeting. The district will continue online education and to distribute meals during the coronavirus pandemic, but all school buildings will remain closed.
• St Lukes Health System has now implemented a new universal masking policy at all of its hospital and clinics.  St Lukes says in the effort to best protect healthcare workers, patients and the community from COVID-19, wearing a protective mask is now mandatory.
• The Idaho Transportation Department has ramped up cleaning of major rest areas to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the trucking community.  Rest areas are staying open to support the delivery of goods and services through Idaho and the nation. ITD says key rest areas will be cleaned more frequently to minimize the spread of coronavirus.
• The Ada County Clerk’s Office is offering marriage licenses by appointment only for people who will be tying the knot before May 31.  After the county shut down most courthouse functions due to COVID-19, the clerk’s office has been looking for ways to provide marriage licenses to people who had their weddings planned for this uncertain time.

Thursday 4/9/20 5am

The Gem State added 22 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday – for a total of 1,232 reported cases since the pandemic began in March.

Governor Little will answer questions about COVID-19 in Idaho LIVE on Idaho Public Television   April 9 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

• The number of deaths did go up yesterday from 15 to 18 – even with less cases reported.
• Looking at counties that have been hit the hardest – Ada County has 447 cases and 5 fatalities, Blaine County has 428 cases and 5 fatalities and Canyon County has 121 cases and 3 fatalities.
• 113 of Idaho’s health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19.
• The city of Ketchum announced Wednesday Blaine County residents will take part in the study and testing of COVID-19 antibodies.  The study will start with a random sample of 400 Blaine County residents to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in symptomatic and asymptomatic people determine the rate of cases within the community.
• If you’re among those on the front lines battling the coronavirus outbreak, you can now skip to the head of the line when heading inside Costco.  Police officers, medics, and firefighters as well as healthcare workers who can present an official ID of their role will get the priority access.
• The Boise Farmers Market announced it will open as a drive-thru farmers market this Saturday at its regular location on 1500 Shoreline Drive.  The drive-thru will allow customers to reserve a pickup window, shop on-line, then pick up the order on Saturday during the chosen pickup window.

UPDATE WEDNESDAY 4/8/2020

The Gem State passed the 1,200 mark on Tuesday with the addition of 40 new cases of COVID-19.  Idaho now has 1,210 reported cases in 32 of 44 Idaho Counties.

• Out of the 1,210 cases, 93 people have been hospitalized, 24 have been admitted to ICU, and 15 have died.
• 96 of Idaho’s health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19
• and 11,898 people have now been tested.
• All of the basketball, tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts in Boise’s parks were closed by order of Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway.
• Governor Brad Little signed an executive order Tuesday, forming his new Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee to oversee the approximately $1.25 billion in federal funds that Idaho will receive to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The United States Postal Service is looking for Idaho workers to fill various positions during a “package boom.”  The Postal Service has experienced an enormous surge in parcel volume in recent weeks.
• Valley County, home to McCall, Cascade and many popular lakes and hot springs, announced Tuesday that it will extend its order closing all short-term rentals, hotels and motels, and RV parks, except for rentals to people providing essential services or for quarantine purposes.
• The Boise Airport has seen a reduction in commercial flights by over 50% since early March.  Although BOI’s March passenger statistics will not be available until later this month, the airport predicts passenger traffic will be down significantly.
• The Ada County Highway District has adjusted signal timing at several intersections to improve traffic flow.  Many cycle lengths were too long after the 40% drop in traffic, engineers found.

Latest Update:  4/7/20  5am

Idaho added 69 new cases on Monday and now has 1,170 reported cases of COVID-19 in 31 of 44 Idaho Counties.

Governor Little will host a statewide AARP telephone town hall to provide information and answer questions regarding COVID-19 in Idaho. The hour-long conversation begins at 12 p.m. Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/.

• Out of the 1,170 cases, 83 people have been hospitalized, 21 have been admitted to ICU, and 13 have died.
• 87 of Idaho’s health care workers have tested positive for COVID-19
• and 11,246 people have now been tested.

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 1.34 million people and killed over 74,000 worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 10,000 have died in the US, and officials warn this will be the toughest week yet.

4/6/20

Idaho is currently reporting 1,101 cases of coronavirus. That’s an increase of just 24 cases on Sunday.

There were also only 64 new cases reported on Saturday – making for a very mild weekend of new coronavirus cases..

Officials are hoping that is a good omen, after peaking on Thursday with 222 new cases, and then dropping down to 122 on Friday.

The state is also reporting 10 deaths to date, however 77 people are still hospitalized with COVID-19, and 16 others are in the ICU.

Nealy 11,000 people in the Gem State have been tested in Idaho for the virus.

Saturday 4/4/20  5:38pm

UPDATED Friday 4/3/20 5:30am

222 new cases of the coronavirus were discovered in the last 24 hours for a total of 891 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• The rising number of cases is due to more people feeling sick, but it also has to do with more people being tested. Over 6000 people in Idaho have been tested now, with 56 people currently hospitalized.
• 9 people have also died in Idaho due to the virus, with 7 others currently in the ICU.
• The Idaho Statesman reports Idaho now has confirmed community spread in 11 counties.
• Health experts say, with community transmission now identified in Ada and Canyon counties, which see frequent cross-county travel, it is more important than ever that people follow public health recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County, in collaboration with the Boise School District, are opening up two additional “pop up” Club sites to provide additional emergency child care relief amid the COVID-19 crisis.  Beginning Monday, April 6, in addition to the Club’s five current sites, children of healthcare workers, first responders, and essential personnel will have two additional Boise sites made available to them.
• The passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has enabled banks to start approving loans for small businesses affected by COVID-19.  Nearly 33,000 new Idaho unemployment claims were filed in the fourth week of March alone, as businesses are struggling to stay afloat.  Starting Friday, Zions Bank and others will start accepting applications for the SBA’s new Paycheck Protection Program.
• As the number of corona virus cases continue to increase, claims for unemployment insurance are skyrocketing in Idaho.  During the week of March 22-28, the Idaho Department of Labor says 32,941 workers filed claims, that’s more than double the number from the previous week.
• St. Luke’s Health System is giving people the opportunity to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.  St Lukes says they’ve had many offers of support from the community, and they have created a new donation marketplace to help connect community and business donors, for equipment and supplies, financial donations and volunteering.  Different links are available by going to “stlukesonline.org” and clicking on the “GO” button under the “Covid-19 How you can help our community” section.
• The Idaho DEQ along with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Department of Lands, are asking Idahoans to postpone open burning due to COVID-19.  Even though the air quality is good in Idaho, the departments say smoke from outdoor burning can cause unnecessary public health concerns.

Thursday 4/2/20

• Idaho is reporting 673 cases of COVID-19 on this Thursday morning – with 9 deaths recorded.

• Blaine County still has the most cases in the state with 256 cases, but Ada County is getting closer, and is now reporting 226 cases.

• Idaho has now tested a total of 7,282 people.
• Saint Alphonsus Health System has told its workforce some employees will face temporary furloughs due to the financial concerns of the coronavirus outbreak.  An email from the company’s CEO and president Odette Bolano says, “these are not ‘normal times’ and the sustained loss of volume and increased costs is outpacing our revenue.” Senior leaders will take pay cuts effective next week.
• Meridian city meetings have gone virtual amid the spread of the coronavirus.  Residents can watch meetings without interacting via video streaming on the city’s website (meridiancity.org/live) and YouTube (youtube.com/cityofmeridian).
• The Postal Service is reminding stay at home customers that they have more choices than ever before regarding where and when to conduct their postal business — and most of the options do not involve a physical Post Office.  Some of the most popular services available on usps.com are Informed Delivery, USPS Tracking, Post Office Locator, ZIP Code Lookup, calculating postage, holding mail, requesting Package Pickup and ordering shipping supplies.
• Home Depot is putting new policies in effect to promote social distancing. The company cut store hours so the warehouse will close at 6 p.m., and it is also limiting the number of customers allowed in stores at a time, although they did not specify the number of people.
• A new policy at Costco limits the number of people per membership allowed in a store, according to Costco’s website.  The change allows only two people per membership to be inside the store at a time and is scheduled to take effect Friday.
• St. Luke’s Health System has made online screening for coronavirus available without leaving your home to drive to a hospital.  To access the online screening tool, go to  www.mychart.slhs.org/MyChart/

See if our FAQ answers your questions. If not, please call the Idaho COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-330-3010.

Idaho public health officials are monitoring the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation very closely.

COVID-19 Testing in Idaho

^{*Includes 4 Oregon residents and 1 Montana resident tested in Idaho.
**Some people may receive multiple tests.}

Characteristics* of Idahoans with COVID-19

Updated Wednesday 5am

• Idaho’s coronavirus numbers have now surpassed 500 cases.  As of Tuesday afternoon, Idaho’s official government website for coronavirus statistics is reporting 525 cases of COVID-19 and nine deaths.
• The most recent death came from a Cassia County woman over the age of 70. Health officials there say she had health issues and contracted the virus after she had visitors to her home that recently came from areas with community spread and transmission.
• Also on Tuesday, Southwest District Health officials say Adams County received its first confirmed case. In this instance, it was a man over the age of 60, who is recovering well at home.
• Idaho’s surge of newly laid-off workers is overwhelming state unemployment phone systems.  During the AARP teleconference Tuesday, Department of Labor Director Revier reported that Governor Little’s executive order made some changes to the unemployment system including the required waiting week.
• The waiting week is the first week of unemployment where you are required to successfully file your weekly report and meet all the eligibility requirements for receiving unemployment insurance, but there is no compensation.  The Director said the waiting week has been waived by the Governor.
• St. Luke’s Wood River in Blaine County is not prepared for a large amount of patients, so St. Luke’s Magic Valley and St. Luke’s Boise are jumping in to help.  Officials with St. Luke’s say the hospitals are working as a team, transferring some patients to the two bigger hospitals for treatment.
•  Governor Little will answer questions about COVID-19 in Idaho LIVE on Idaho Public Television Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 8 p.m., airing on Idaho Public Television and online.**

See if our FAQ answers your questions. If not, please call the Idaho COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-330-3010.

UPDATED TUESDAY 3/31/20  5:00 am

• Idaho’s statewide total saw its largest COVID-19 single-day jump, with 109 new confirmed cases for a total of 430.

• Health officials also reported the seventh and eighth fatal COVID-19 cases, with deaths occurring in Cassia and Ada counties.
• Kootenai County reported its 29th case of coronavirus Monday afternoon, and the county now has community transmission, or community spread.   Kootenai is the fourth county to report community spread in Idaho. The others are Blaine, Canyon and Ada.
• The Idaho Department of Labor’s phone lines have been flooded with calls.  The Dept of Labor is asking people to visit the labor website for answers and file for benefits.  Answers to questions about unemployment insurance and COVID-19 are in the FAQ section of the labor website at www.labor.idaho.gov.
• Governor Brad Little and the Secretary of State announced today there will be no change in Idaho’s primary election date of May 19.  The election will be conducted by mail pursuant to the existing laws for absentee voting due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.  Idahoans can request an absentee ballot at idahovotes.gov/vote-early-idaho/.
• Canyon County is asking residents to limit their landfill trips for the time being while the stay at home order is in effect. Pickles Butte Sanitary Landfill is currently open regular business hours, Monday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and are only accepting debit or credit card payments until further notice.

Monday –  3/30/20

Officials have reported 320 total cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

According to state numbers updated Sunday at 5 p.m., Ada County added 21 cases in 24 hours, bringing the county total to 113. That’s the second-highest number of cases in a single county.  Blaine County still has the most diagnoses at 115, after adding only a single case on Sunday.  Southwest District Health said 15 new cases were reported on Sunday alone in Canyon County, for a total of 37.

• Saint Alphonsus has opened a second COVID-19 assessment site at its Garrity Campus Clinic at 1150 N. Sister Catherine Way in Nampa.  The site is open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
• The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has announced a new toll-free number for Idahoans to call with questions about COVID-19 or the Statewide Stay-Home Order.  The number, 1-888-330-3010, will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The Idaho State Tax Commission has closed its customer service counters to the public in all its offices throughout the state due to Governor Little’s statewide stay home order.
• The Boise School District has announced, the first phase of online learning and support for essential services begins today (Monday.) Parents will receive information on how to access the new website around noon on Monday, March 30th.
• The West Ada School District sent an email to parents on Saturday announcing the start date for remote learning.  West Ada plans to begin remote learning for all students on Monday, April 13th.
• West Ada’s school lunch program will continue. Meals are available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 13 schools.
• The Nampa School District will start online instruction Tuesday. Nampa’s lunch program runs Monday through Friday for children ages 1 to 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at seven schools.

COVID-19 in Idaho — Sunday 3/29/20

• The Southwest District Health has confirmed detection of community spread in Canyon County.
• Community transmission (or community spread) is when health officials can’t find a specific origin for an infection, for an example: traveling from a known area to have the virus.
• The SWDH asks people to follow these guidelines:
• Keep six feet between yourself and everyone else at all times.
• Engage in work, schooling, and social interaction from home via technology.
• Avoid interacting with anyone outside your household unless you can keep at least six feet of space between you.
• Use drive-thru, pickup or delivery options as much as possible when getting food.
• Avoid all non-essential travel.
• Reschedule all social activities to take place via phone, video chats, or social media.

Idaho Governor Brad Little has issued a statewide 21-day stay at home order

• Among the services deemed essential are grocery stores, health care facilities, gas stations, pharmacies, essential state and local government functions, laundromats/laundry services, financial institutions, residential and home-based care, veterinary services, hardware stores, limited child care for essential workers, infrastructure, and other businesses essential to the safety and well-being of residents. Restaurants are only open for drive-thru, carry-out or delivery.
• The services that are deemed non-essential are indoor gyms, recreational facilities, nightclubs, bars, entertainment venues, convention centers, hair and nail salons, public events/gatherings and dine-in restaurants.
• Idaho’s seven health districts across the Gem State are reporting 131 cases of confirmed coronavirus.  39 cases are in Ada County — five in Canyon County and one in Payette County. There are total 63 confirmed cases in Blaine County.  There have been no deaths reported in the Gem State due to coronavirus – so far.
• Idaho state liquor stores will remain open despite Gov. Little’s state-wide Stay at Home Order.  The Idaho State Liquor Division liquor stores will stay open throughout Idaho with normal hours of operation.
• Idaho state park campgrounds are set to close starting Friday and will be closed until May 15.  The Idaho State Parks will remain open for day-use but camping will close in keeping with Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s Stay at Home Order.
• The Idaho Secretary of State’s office is making it easier to vote early.  Idahoans can now request an absentee ballot for the May 19th primary election online.
• Boise State University announced it will be postponing its traditional spring graduation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• St. Luke’s is beginning temporary drop-off and pickup service for pharmacy prescriptions due to coronvirus concerns.  The hospital system says it has begun creating these parking-lot stops at its hospitals in Boise, Meridian and Nampa.

Idaho Governor Brad Little has issued a statewide 21-day stay at home order.  He made the announcement Wednesday at the Idaho National Guard while the state’s seven health districts are currently reporting 98 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

All Idahoans (regardless if you’re ill) will need to self-isolate inside their homes, but can leave for essential services such as food, prescription medications and fuel. Going for walks and exercise will be permitted as long as social distancing is practiced with people that don’t live with you.  In addition to the order, all restaurants must immediately cease dinning in for customers and can only have drive through, curbside, delivery and to-go orders.

Non essential businesses, such as bars, nightclubs, gyms, recreational facilities, entertainment venues, convention centers, hair and nail salons will need to close.

He also signed an extreme emergency declaration, which allows the state to more effectively increase health care capacity, take steps to reduce and slow coronavirus spread, and take rapid and decisive steps to improve the condition of Idahoans whose job and incomes are being harmed by the pandemic.

The statewide stay-home order is being finalized with public health, local officials, and business today and will be available later today at https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/.

View Governor Little’s extreme emergency declaration here.

• Late Tuesday evening, the Central District Health Department reported that it has one confirmed case of COVID-19 that it can’t trace to another known victim. This means that the agency now believes that “community spread” is now present in Ada County. There are now 25 total cases in Ada Co.
• Boise Mayor Lauren McLean issued a social distancing order for the City of Boise. Late Tuesday, the city issued an updated version of the order that gives more clarity on what is and is not exempt. It’s the latest effort by McLean to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the city. The order is now in effect. It requires any business that’s open to the public to make sure folks are kept six feet apart. Family members who live in the same household are exempt.
• The City of Eagle has now issued a social distancing order. It closes dine-in at restaurants, fitness facilities and more.
• The Corpus Christi Day Shelter will close Wednesday due to COVID-19 concerns. A coalition of agencies and the City of Boise are working on solutions.
• The City of Boise will ease off monitoring parking meters in Downtown Boise.
• The Boise Towne Square closed the shopping center Tuesday. The mall drastically cut hours last week, but will remain ‘temporarily closed’ until further notice. The Cheesecake Factory remains open for takeout and delivery orders.

See if our FAQ answers your questions. If not, call 2-1-1 or your local public health district with questions.

Visit Coronavirus.idaho.gov for more information.

Tuesday 3/24/20

Governor Little will also be hosting a statewide AARP telephone town hall to provide information and answer questions regarding coronavirus in Idaho.  The hour-long conversation begins today at 12 p.m.  Participants can join by dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 or register in advance by visiting https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/. The conversation will also be streaming at www.facebook.com/aarpidaho.

The City of Meridian is now also closing City playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment — effective immediately. Other areas of parks and pathways will remain open.  Parks and Recreation Staff will work in coming days to post signage around those areas.

Mayor Lauren McLean ordered residents of Boise to take part in social distancing, effective at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, for 30 days to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  Groups of 10 or more people will no longer be allowed at businesses or events, and groups must be at least 6 feet away from each other.   Grocery stores, day care operations, medical facilities and government agencies are exempt from the order.

The Idaho State Board of Education ordered all public schools in the state closed until at least April 20 amid the coronavirus outbreak.  The order applies to classes on school campuses. It does not apply to any district’s plans for online education.  The board’s order emphasized it is directing a soft closure, allowing schools to still provide food services and childcare.

The Payette County Board of County Commissioners have passed a resolution to close the Payette County Courthouse to the public until April 3.

Central District Health officials are asking people who spent time in Blaine County between March 8 and March 22 to self-isolate for two weeks. Blaine County has had the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Idaho small businesses suffering as a result of the Coronavirus.  Applicants may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov and the deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21.

MONDAY INFORMATION:

• Boise Mayor Lauren McLean has closed all park playgrounds to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).  Please stay off swings, slides and avoid using or touching any other park equipment until further notice.  Parks and Recreation maintenance team members will be taping off all playgrounds over the weekend, starting with our most popular parks, and posting signage at each site alerting residents to these closures.
• Idaho public health officials are monitoring the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation very closely. Idaho is currently reporting 31 cases.  Officials are working with CDC and other states and are also in regular communication with Idaho public health districts and healthcare providers around the state.
• St. Luke’s Announces Changes to Elective Surgeries, Clinic Visits, and Visitor Policy St. Luke’s Health System is suspending all non-urgent/non-emergent operative and invasive procedures effective Monday, March 23.
• For those who meet #COVID19 screening criteria as established by the @CDCgov, visit our Respiratory Assessment Site at @SaintAlsHealth Meridian Health Plaza, 3025 W. Cherry Lane. Our nurses and doctors are on duty daily from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. 
• Governor Brad Little announced Wednesday that the state is seeking responses from small, non-farm businesses across Idaho whose operations and ability to conduct business have been hurt by COVID-19.  Businesses that have been impacted are now eligible for SBA Disaster Economic Injury Loan Assistance, following the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the president.
• Several Treasure Valley gyms are set to temporarily close locations.
• A Mandatory shelter-in-place was issued for Blaine County Thursday night after officials said 16 coronavirus cases were found in the area.  Shelter-in-place means all people must stay at home unless they need to perform essential activities or go to work to provide essential business and government services.
• The governor has recommended Idahoans avoid social gatherings of 10 or more, avoid discretionary travel and work from home whenever possible.

The Panhandle Health District and Kootenai Health have confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in a male over 60 in Kootenai County. The individual has been contacted and advised to self-isolate. He is experiencing only mild symptoms. This is the first case in the Panhandle and the twelfth in the state.  This is the first confirmed case in the five northern counties of the Panhandle.

There have been reports of long lines of people waiting to be tested, and officials say they are monitoring the situation and moving as quickly as possible to get as many people tested each day as possible… some delays are to be expected.

• Mayor Lauren McLean is banning all Boise restaurants from allowing dinning in services due to the coronavirus.  The 30-day order goes into effect at midnight and includes all restaurants and bars within city limits.  McLean says this doesn’t affect restaurants that have delivery, drive-through options or that can do carry out orders. The mayor says parking meters in front of downtown Boise restaurants will be closed to general parking and will now be used as temporary to-go options for carry out or hand-delivered orders.
• COVID-19 screening at the St. Luke’s Meridian tent location has been experiencing high volume and long wait times.  Traffic control is in effect, and visitors are asked to exercise caution and to avoid the area if there is not the clear and present need to be screened.  St. Luke’s opened a new tent location in Boise today for more testing. If you have symptoms of respiratory illness and are concerned you may have COVID-19, you can call the triage hotline at 208-381-9500.  They will be able to complete a risk assessment over the phone and arranging testing if necessary.  If you need to visit the emergency room to treat symptoms, St Luke’s ask you to call ahead and ask for a protective facemask when you arrive.
• Owners and managers of more than 50 restaurants and bars have asked Gov. Little to shut down their industry immediately and grant restaurant workers emergency unemployment compensation.  Gov. Little said he had no plans to close restaurants. He was concerned about making “arbitrary decisions” about which businesses to close and when to reopen them.  Many bar and restaurant owners are against closing – saying they will remain open – for dine in or take out and delivery as long as they are allowed to.
• Boise’s dog off-leash season was extended until the end of April at two city park Wednesday.  Boise Parks and Recreation said that because spring leagues have been postponed or canceled due to coronavirus concerns, it is reinstating its popular seasonal dog off-leash program, effective immediately, at Ann Morrison Park and Optimist Youth Sports Complex.  The program will run until April 30
• The Idaho Democratic Party sent Governor Little and Secretary of State Denney a letter urging the May 19 primary election be held entirely by absentee mail to avoid the spread of COVID-19.  The party urges that all of Idaho’s counties send ballot request forms to all registered voters, and that the Secretary of State implement an accessible online absentee ballot request function.
• Governor Brad Little announced the State of Idaho is seeking responses from small, non-farm businesses across Idaho whose operations and ability to conduct business have been disrupted by COVID-19.  The information received will determine whether impacted businesses will be eligible for disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration through Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
• Reclaim Idaho, the organization responsible for getting Medicaid Expansion on the 2018 ballot, announced today it would suspend signature gathering operations for its new Invest in Idaho initiative given the concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus and Covid-19.
• The concern over coronavirus is impacting services to Idaho Veterans.  The Central Support office, located on Collins Road in Boise, is closed to walk-in service. Veterans in need of emergency help can call 208-780-1300.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean has been granted emergency powers by city council during a public health emergency.  The ordinance gives McLean the authority to order “social distancing” to prevent community members from gathering in groups, restrict events and postpone or cancel public hearings within city limits and five miles outside the city.

St. Luke’s is putting together drive-thru COVID-19 testing and screening stations throughout Idaho.  St. Luke’s says, in an effort to decrease patient flow they will be standing up COVID-19 screening and testing tents. The tents will hold supplies, and patients will stay in their cars for screening, registration and testing.  Screening sites were opened on Tuesday in Ketchum and Meridian.  One will be opened today in Boise.

Albertsons announces they will hold at-risk shopping hours for members of the community who are most at-risk of becoming infected by the coronavirus.  Stores are asking its customers to stay away from locations on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 a.m. to help ensure that the most at-risk members of our community, who must leave home to get groceries, are taken care of.

Catholics are being excused from Church for the time being…All public Masses in the Diocese of Boise are suspended through Palm Sunday, April 5.  The Bishop of Boise is extending a dispensation to all the faithful of the diocese from the Sunday obligation to participate in the Mass.  Catholics are encouraged to follow along with a Sunday Mass live-streamed from a location that will be linked to the website at catholicidaho.org.

Beginning at 6:00 am Wednesday, March 17, in line with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, Saint Alphonsus will implement changes to entrances at all Saint Alphonsus hospitals in order to institute a brief screening protocol for patients and visitors prior to entering the facility.  These changes will be effective at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, and Saint Alphonsus Medical Centers in Nampa, Ontario and Baker City.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean declared a state of emergency over fears of the novel coronavirus Monday.  Public access to city buildings is closed with the exception of the Boise Airport.  McLean said that basic public services, including fire and police services, will continue as normal.

Meridian has also issued a state of emergency declaration along with Ada and Canyon counties, and all of the cities located in the Treasure Valley.
The City of Meridian says all city-sponsored events scheduled to occur through April 15, 2020 are hereby postponed or cancelled. This includes All Meridian recreation programs.

Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling joined cities and counties across the Treasure Valley today in declaring a state of emergency.  
Nampa City Hall will be closed to the public.
Clerk’s Office / Passports: Will be closed to the public and suspend passport service, but continue to process online permits and licenses (https://cityofnampa.us/143/City-Clerk).

The Idaho Transportation Department announced a 90-day extension on some expiring credentials.  The 90-day extension applies to driver’s licenses and non-commercial registration.

See if our FAQ answers your questions. If not, call 2-1-1 or your local public health district with questions.

WEST ADA SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, MARCH 16th.

Following the governors conference call with education leaders, the West Ada School District sent out a message to parents from the Superintendent of West Ada School District, Dr. Mary Ann Ranells.

Ranells says: Based on parental and staff concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the decision to keep schools open has been revised.  We are canceling school from now until the end of spring break.  The West Ada COVID-19 task force will meet to determine if schools will remain closed beyond spring break.

The Boise School District will be closed for two weeks due to the coronavirus.

As of now, the plan is for the district to remain closed through spring break (Friday, March 27), which is the last day of spring break.

On Saturday, the Blaine County and Coeur d’Alene school districts decided to close until the first week of April.

Governor Brad Little issued a state of emergency declaration Friday due to ongoing coronavirus concerns. Shortly after Idaho’s AG reminded businesses that the state’s price gouging law came into effect due to the emergency declaration.

The city of Caldwell is canceling until further notice:

* Mayor’s State of the City

* Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Annual Fundraising Dinner

* All city recreation events, including youth basketball and volleyball, and the Caldwell Recreation Annual Easter Egg Scramble at Memorial Park

* All Caldwell Event Center scheduled events

* Swing into Spring at the Library’ Gala (postponed)

* Family Fun Day at Whittenberger Park/Rotary Pond scheduled for June 13, 2020

The Caldwell City Clerk’s office will cancel the issuance of any special event permits for gatherings of 250 people or more on City property including for Indian Creek Plaza (Caldwell Train Depot events for less than 250 people will NOT be affected)

In-state and out-of-state travel for all Caldwell City employees and elected officials for 90 days (subject to change).

All Caldwell City employees are encouraged to use teleconference where possible.

• Boise, Nampa, Caldwell and Kuna schools are suspending out-of-state travel for staff and students amid coronavirus fears.
• Saint Alphonsus is putting certain restrictions on visitors.  Only visits from immediate family members, and clergy who are healthy will be permitted to visit with patients.
• The Big Sky Conference basketball tournament, which started its second year in Boise’s CenturyLink Arena yesterday, has been canceled. Fans will get refunds for tickets.
• Boise State University announced it will suspend all athletic events “until further notice.” The school said many events already saw cancellations due to decisions from the Mountain West Conference and other schools. Folks looking for refunds on tickets are encouraged to contact the school’s athletic ticket office at (208)426-4737.
• All meetings and activities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are temporarily canceled, effective immediately.  LDS schools won’t hold live graduations because of coronavirus concerns. This includes BYU and BYU-Idaho.
• Classes as Boise State will be held entirely online Friday in what is being described as a test.
• The Sun Valley Film Festival announced it canceled its 9th-annual event. The annual celebration of film would have started next week.
• Idaho Steelheads and the ECHL have “suspended” its season. No word on if it will resume.
• Christian music festival Roadshow Tour 2020 canceled its event set for the Idaho Center this Friday.
• City of Boise officials continue to meet and assess the situation. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean says cleaning efforts at the airport, senior centers, parks and rec facilities and libraries are being stepped up. The city is also looking at how to adjust the services it offers citizens and which are essential if staff needs to be sent home.
• City Club of Boise has canceled all events for the rest of March and April, including forums planned for March 17 and April 1, as well as the Marilyn Shuler Forum on Human Rights on April 2. Anyone registered for an event can contact City Club for refunds.
• The City of Eagle is emphasizing that many city services are available online.
• Winco Foods is limiting the number of certain items customers may purchase according to signage in the stores. The products include disinfecting wipes, disinfecting spray, hand sanitizer, and soap, latex gloves, face basks, isopropyl alcohol, water, and propane. Customers are limited to four of each.
• Treefort Music Festival announced it would delay until September.
• The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts currently says it will “stay the course” with scheduled events. It says it stepping up cleaning efforts.
• The Northwest Nazarene University announced (Thursday) it will be holding “Pilot Wednesday” March 18 in which all classes will be held remotely.
• The big Idaho potato truck is suspending its travel and events.
• The performances of Ballet Idaho’s Light/Dark scheduled for March 13 and 14 is cancelled.
• Concordia University School of Law holding classes online March 16 to April 9. All meetings, events, and gatherings scheduled at the law school will be postponed, canceled, or moved online.
• The Morrison Center is postponing Ronnie Milsap and Jason Bishop scheduled to perform March 18 and 19. No new date set for a new show.Dancing with the Stars Live! has canceled its March 20 show. The Meridian Library District is suspending all programs indefinitely. They are not accepting donated library materials. They have suspended reservations for meeting rooms at the Cherry Lane location. All events at Ford Idaho Center and Nampa Civic Center canceled through March 31st (gatherings of 250 or more) Race to Robie Creek (was scheduled for April 18), postponed. Ice Dance International is canceling its western tour to Boise. Ticket holders will be refunded through CenturyLink Arena.
• The Ford Idaho Center and Nampa Civic Center will be canceling or postponing all gatherings of 250 people or more. Both venues are currently working to reschedule all performances from March 13 to March 31 and will provide updates as quickly as possible. Please note fans are encouraged to retain their tickets for a canceled or postponed event.
• The Tool concert, set to be held in Nampa on Saturday, will be postponed.
• Jojo Siwa’s D.R.E.A.M. Tour will be postponed until June 17. Tickets will be honored at the new date.
• Comedian Iliza Shlesinger’s Sunday shows at the Morrison Center have been postponed. Tickets will be honored once a new date is set.
• The Roadshow Tour 2020, a Christian music concert, has been canceled at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.
• All events at the Canyon County Fair Building have been postponed until further notice.
• The Cabin will be postponing or canceling most upcoming events, starting March 16 through at least May 15. Free Drop-In Writing Workshops and the CAMBIA Celebration of Youth Writing, the literary center said in a release; a reading with author Madeline Miller has been postponed but no date has yet been set. Those enrolled in adult writing workshops will be updated on the status of their workshop. Summer writing camps, which are scheduled to start in June, are planned to continue as normal.
• Nampa Parks and Recreation has postponed the Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs event scheduled for March 14. A new date was not listed.
• The Boise Farmers Market announced it would postpone the opening of the market at the request of the city of Boise’s COVID-19 task force. A new date has not been announced.
• The Boise Metro Chambered announced it would postpone its CEO speaker series feature Charlene Maher. A new date has not been set.
• The Boise Flower & Garden Show, originally scheduled for March 27-29, will be postponed until March 19-21, 2021. Organizers said the event, which historically brought in 10,000 people, is doing its part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
• All events at Expo Idaho are canceled through April 30, including the 48th Annual Roadster Show scheduled for March 13-15. Commissioner Kendra Kenyon said deposits will be returned to vendors for those events.
• City Club of Boise has canceled all events planned for the rest of March and the first part of April, it announced in an email to members. That includes forums scheduled on March 17, April 1 and April 2. Organizers are working to issue refunds.
• All March events scheduled to be held at the Canyon County Fair Building have been postponed until further notice.
• Starbucks will temporarily stop filling reusable cups.
• Bogus Basin’s general manager said upcoming mountain events will be canceled. Bogus will remain open but will be discontinuing public bus services and allowing guests to ride alone or with fewer people on the chairlifts.
• Brundage Mountain’s general manager said he planned to keep the lifts operating through April 12. Guests will be allowed to ride alone or only with members of their own group, and full refunds will be provided to anyone who cancels lessons, tours, dinners or snowmobile adventures. The Hidden Valley Hoedown and the Brewlympic Games have both been canceled.
• Mountain Home School District – Classes at all schools are canceled on Monday, March 16, so officials can train and plan for online learning in the event of a longer coronavirus-related school closure.
• Both the Kimberly School District and the Buhl School District will close on Monday, March 16 in order to give staff and teachers time to plan for any extended closures that may happen due to coronavirus. Both school districts will have class on Tuesday, March 17.
• Idaho Youth Soccer – All of IYSA’A league games are suspended through March 30. Team practices will be up to each individual club.
•  Ada County Parks & Waterways will no longer take new bookings for the Barber Park Education and Event Center through May 31.
• The City of Caldwell canceled the Mayor’s State of the City, all city recreation events, all events at the Caldwell Event Center, and will revoke permits for gatherings of 250 people or more. The city also announced that they are also suspending travel for all city employees for 90 days.
• Eagle Public Library and Parks and Recreation classes, events and programs as of Saturday, March 14 are canceled until further notice.  Eagle City Hall and the Eagle Public Library will be open during regular business hours.
• WinCo Foods announced it will be temporarily closing various stores from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. over the next week so they can clean and restock.