Tag: Idaho’s response to COVID-19

Idaho Enters Stage 2: A Thank You from DHW Director Dave Jeppesen 

On By idhwmediaIn Director UpdatesLeave a comment

The Choices We Make Determine Our Future

Gov. Brad Little announced at his press conference yesterday that Idaho has met the criteria that allows the state to move to Stage 2 of the reopening of Idaho.

Thanks to the people of Idaho, who have closely followed the recommended precautions, we are moving through the stages as planned. As the Governor said, we control the outcome. We control our future. The choices I make, and the choices you make, determine what happens in Idaho.

It is very important to continue to do the following:

  • Stay home as much as possible
  • Wear a cloth face covering in public (this helps protect others)
  • Keep six feet between you and others
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly
  • Stay home if you are ill

Continue reading “Idaho Enters Stage 2: A Thank You from DHW Director Dave Jeppesen “ →

Safeguarding the health and prosperity of Idahoans: An Update from DHW Director Dave Jeppesen

On By idhwmediaIn General2 Comments

DirectorsUpdateYesterday, Gov. Brad Little announced some great news for Idahoans. Because Idahoans followed the Stay-Home Order and met the outlined criteria, we are able to enter Stage 1 of the Governor’s Rebound Plan to reopen Idaho. That means retail stores, places of worship, and youth activities can reopen by following the appropriate protocols. The Stay-Home Order has been replaced by the Stay Healthy Order for Stage 1. The new order follows federal and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and was developed in consultation with the DHW epidemiologists.

The reasons we can begin to reopen Idaho are because of your diligence in following the Stay-Home Order and because you followed the recommended precautions. The best thing all of us can do to support businesses is to continue to do the following:

  • Engage in physical distancing of at least six feet
  • Wear face coverings in public places
  • Stay home if sick
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly

Gov. Little  also announced some great news for the small businesses of our state. Idaho will be using the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars to provide cash grants of up to $10,000 to more than 30,000 Idaho small businesses. The application will be available on Rebound.Idaho.Gov next Tuesday, May 5. Small businesses are extremely important to our economy, particularly as we rebound from COVID-19 which is why the Governor is making a $300 million investment in them. You can find more information at: https://rebound.idaho.gov/idaho-rebound-cash-grants-for-small-businesses/. Continue reading “Safeguarding the health and prosperity of Idahoans: An Update from DHW Director Dave Jeppesen” →

Guidelines for Opening Up Idaho: DHW Director Dave Jeppesen outlines the transition from response to rebound

On By idhwmediaIn General, Public Health6 Comments

Gov. Brad Little unveiled his Path to Prosperity, Guidelines for Opening Up Idaho, at a press conference yesterday. The document outlines a staged approach to getting our economy moving and getting Idahoans back to work.

There is nothing more important to those of us serving the people of Idaho than making sure Idahoans are safe and healthy, as well as returning Idaho to the symbol of prosperity it was before the COVID-19 crisis.

There are certain criteria that must be met to advance through the stages to re-start our economy. When that criteria is met, the economy will be opened in stages (every two weeks).

There is a new website, rebound.idaho.gov, that provides all the details for businesses as Idaho opens up for business. To help the Governor’s staff and the Governor’s Coronavirus Working Group make decisions, the Gov. Little has created the Governor’s Economic Rebound Advisory Committee, led by Darrel Anderson from Idaho Power. The Advisory Committee is responsible for providing recommendations to Gov. Little in support of the state’s rebound from the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. You can keep up with changes and recommendations on the website. Continue reading “Guidelines for Opening Up Idaho: DHW Director Dave Jeppesen outlines the transition from response to rebound” →