Yesterday, Gov. Brad Little announced that Idaho has met the criteria that allows the state to move to Stage 3 of the reopening of Idaho. Beginning Saturday, May 30:

• Bars can open their doors, as long as protocols to protect workers and the public are followed.
• Movie theaters can open in Stage 3 instead of Stage 4, as long as protocols are followed.
• Gatherings of up to 50 people can occur, where appropriate physical distancing and precautionary measures are observed.
• Only out-of-state travelers from areas of high spread should quarantine for 14 days after entering Idaho.

As Gov. Little said at his press conference Thursday, the health of Idahoans and Idaho’s economic rebound are not mutually exclusive – they are interconnected. Because of this, I am encouraging Idahoans to continue following recommended precautions:

• Keep at least six feet between you and others in public
• Wear face coverings in public places (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus, and do not know it, from transmitting it to others)
• Stay home if you are sick
• Wash your hands often
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly

One of the strengths of Idahoans is our ability to rise to any occasion. When we are asked to follow guidelines to protect our neighbors and friends, we do. Our ability to navigate this pandemic is directly related to our ability to remain flexible in how we live and how we engage with others. Almost weekly, Idahoans have adapted to new ways of living and working. I appreciate and respect those efforts.

The Continued Reopening of Idaho is Up to All of Us

Although Idaho is reopening, we will continue to see outbreaks until there is a vaccine or proven therapeutic interventions. Our battle with COVID-19 is not over.

There may be outbreaks in families, in companies and businesses, and even in healthcare facilities. The virus is still with us, and it will be with us for the foreseeable future.

If there is an outbreak in a facility or an organization, it is not because the company does not keep their offices clean or that they have not followed recommended protocols. And the continued reopening or future action is not determined by any specific cluster of cases. The continued reopening of Idaho is based on criteria outlined on rebound.idaho.gov.

I am very grateful that employers and people in Idaho are doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. I deeply appreciate the sacrifices you have made to get us to this point. I am inspired by, and grateful for, the commitment you have shown to your neighbors, families, and friends. Thank you.

Stay safe and stay healthy.