HomeMy Public PortalAbout2-CM Report Att 1 - Gov stage 2 modified-orderIDAHOREBOUNDS
STAG 2
STATE OF IDAHO
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY ORDER
November 14, 2020
BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES MAY CONTINUE OPERATIONS AT
PHYSICAL LOCATIONS IN THE STATE OF IDAHO.
ALL INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES MUST ADHERE
TO THE MANDATORY PORTIONS OF THE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND SANITATION
REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 3 OF THIS ORDER.
GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, ARE
PROHIBITED, INCLUDING ATTENDANCE AT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
SUCH AS SPORTING EVENTS.
PATRONS OF BARS, NIGHTCLUBS, AND RESTAURANTS MUST REMAIN SEATED.
FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED AT LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.
PEOPLE AT INCREASED RISK FOR SEVERE ILLNESS LIVING IN THE STATE OF
IDAHO ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO STAY HOME AND LIMIT THEIR
MOVEMENT OUTSIDE OF THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE.
The Governor and Director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare ("Directorr99)
hereby issue this order of isolation pursuant to Article 1V, § 5 of the Idaho Constitution and
Idaho Law.
The Director is authorized by Idaho Code § 56-1003(7) "to impose and enforce orders of
isolation and q unarantine to protect the public from the spread of infectious or communicable
diseases."
This Order is effective as of 12:00 a.m. November 14, 2020 and will continue to be in effect
until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Governor and
Director.
STATE OF IDAHO AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY ORDER
REBOUND.IDAHO.GOV -1
THE GOVERNOR OF IDAHO AND DIRECTOR OF THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND WELFARE MAKE THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS:
The basis for this Order includes, but is not limited to, the following findings.
The virus that causes Coronavirus 2019 Disease ("COVID-19") has resulted in a global
pandemic, is present in Idaho, and has infected over 78,000 Idahoans, resulting in 749
deaths to date. The virus is easily transmitted, especially in group settings, and it is essential
that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect public health and safety and safeguard the
ability of public and private healthcare providers to handle an influx of new patients.
This Order is based on evidence of a significant increase of cases of COVID-19 within the
State of Idaho; as well as, the advice and input of state epidemiologists, public health
experts, and guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
("CDC") and the White House. This order is also based on the scientific evidence and best
practices regarding the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of
communicable diseases generally and COVID-19 specifically, and evidence that the age,
condition, and health of a significant portion of the population of the state places its citizens
at risk for serious health complications, including death, from COVID-19.
Some individuals who contract the COVID-19 virus have no symptoms or have mild
symptoms, which means they may not be aware they carry the virus. Because even people
without symptoms can transmit the disease, and because evidence shows the disease is
easily spread, gatherings can result in transmission of the virus.
The most recent state report for Idaho from the White House Coronavirus Task Force states
that "Idaho is in the red zone for cases, indicating 101 or more new cases per 100,000
population, with the 12th highest rate in the country. Idaho is in the red zone for test
positivity, indicating a rate at or above 10.1%, with the 2nd highest rate in the country."
Test positivity and case rates in Idaho have risen in the past several weeks and are rising in
most counties in the state. The current weekly percent positivity of PCR testing is 16.9%.
the highest positivity in Idaho during the pandemic.
The White House report also states that "[b]etween Oct 31 - Nov 6, on average, 44 patients
with confirmed COVID-19 and 7 patients with suspected COVID-19 were reported as
newly admitted each day to hospitals in Idaho." As a result, hospitals across the state of
Idaho, including the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, are at or nearing capacity. In some
instances, hospitals have diverted patients to other hospitals within the state and in
neighboring states.
Local health districts have traced reported infections to gatherings of people, including
school -related events, social gatherings, and recreational events. In the judgment of public
health officials, reducing the size of these gatherings will reduce spread of the virus in
communities and protect vulnerable Idahoans.
STATE OF IDAHO AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY ORDER
REBOUND.IDAHO.GOV - 2
Since June 2020, there has been a significant and concerning increase in cases of COVID-
19 among residents and staff at long-term care facilities in Idaho. Outbreaks often start
with a staff member or a visitor and spreads to other staff members and residents. Many
staff members and all residents of long-term care facilities are at a higher risk of severe
complications associated with contracting COVID-19. Currently, 150 residential facilities
have COVID-19 cases, and two long-term care facilities reported new outbreaks on
November 10, 2020.
The scientific evidence shows that at this stage of the pandemic, it is necessary to slow
virus transmission to protect Idaho's vulnerable population and to prevent the healthcare
system from being overwhelmed. In consultation with state and federal epidemiologists
and healthcare experts, this Order is intended to protect the lives and safety of Idahoans,
preserve capacity in our healthcare system and slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting
public and private gatherings, requiring patrons to remain seated at bars and restaurants,
mandating masks in long-term care facilities, and requiring individuals to maintain
physical distancing whenever possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE GOVERNOR OF IDAHO AND IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND WELFARE DIRECTOR ORDER:
1. Gatherings.
a. Gatherings of more than 10 people, both public and private, are prohibited. People
participating in gatherings of 10 or fewer people, while permitted, must adhere to
the Physical Distancing and Sanitation Requirements in Section 3.
b. As defined by the CDC, "gathering" means "a planned or spontaneous event,
indoors or outdoors, with a small number of people participating or a large number
of people in attendance such as a community event or gathering, concert, festival,
conference, parade, wedding, or sporting event."
c. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
i. All patrons must remain seated while consuming food or drink or when
otherwise remaining on the premises, except for when entering, exiting, or
using the restroom;
ii. Seating must be arranged and maintained so that tables are spaced at least
six feet apart; and
iii. Nightclubs may continue to operate as a bar but must comply with the
requirements of this Section and this Order.
STATE OF IDAHO AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY ORDER
REBOUND.IDAHO.GOV - 3
d. Exemptions.
i. Gatherings for political expression and religious activities are not subject to
the provisions of this Section; provided, however, that gatherings for
purposes of political expression and religious activities must adhere to the
Physical Distancing and Sanitation Requirements in Section 3 of this Order;
ii. Gatherings as defined in this Section do not include "educational activities."
The term "educational activities" means activities involving students taught
by an educator in a school or equivalent setting;
iii. Gatherings of more than 10 members of the same household. Household is
defined as an individual or a group of individuals who reside in the same
residence.
iv. Extra -curricular activities, including athletics, practice, matches,
performances and games may continue. Participants necessary for the extra-
curricular activity to occur include, but are not limited to, players,
instructors, coaches, officials, and personnel to broadcast the activity.
Attendance by non -participants, including spectators, remains subject to the
requirements specified in this Order, including but not limited to, those
identified in Sections 1(a) and 3; and
v. Gatherings that received an exemption from a public health district prior to
November 14, 2020, may occur subject to the requirements provided by the
health district and the Stay Healthy Order dated October 27, 2020. This
exemption is only valid for gatherings occurring prior to November 22,
2020.
2. Face Coverings at Long -Term Care Facilities.
a. Anyone who enters a long-term care facility or campus who is not a resident must
wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth at all times.
b. Exemptions. This requirement does not apply to:
i. Children under the age of 5;
ii. Any person while consuming food or drink;
iii. Any person with a diagnosed medical condition, mental health condition, or
disability which prevents wearing a face covering; or
iv. Any person who is deaf or hard of hearing for purposes of communication,
or any person communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing.
STATE OF IDAHO AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY ORDER
REBOUND.IDAHO.GOV - 4
3. Physical Distancing and Sanitation Requirements.
a. Individuals not residing within the same household must maintain at least six-foot
physical distancing from other individuals whenever possible.
b. Individuals should:
i. Wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently
as possible or use hand sanitizer;
ii. Cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands);
iii. Regularly clean high -touch surfaces and not shake hands;
iv. Stay home if sick;
v. Wear face coverings while in public, especially when six-foot distancing is
not always possible (e.g., inside businesses); and
vi. Follow additional protocols established in the Governor's Guidelines for
Opening up Idaho published at https://rebound.idaho.gov/.
c. Employers must:
i. Develop and implement measures to ensure employees and customers
maintain at least six-foot physical distancing from other individuals
whenever possible;
ii. Provide adequate sanitation and personal hygiene for employees, vendors,
and patrons; and
iii. Frequently disinfect commonly touched and high -traffic areas and regularly
clean those areas.
d. Employers should:
i. Identify how personal use items such as masks, face coverings, and gloves
may be required by employees, vendors, and/or patrons;
ii. Provide services while limiting close interactions with patrons;
iii. Identify strategies for addressing ill employees, which should include
requiring COVID-19 positive employees to stay at home while infectious,
and may include keeping employees who were directly exposed to the
COVID-19 positive employee away from the workplace, and the closure of
the business until the location can be properly disinfected;
STATE OF IDAHO AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY ORDER
REBOUND.IDAHO.GOV - 5
iv. On a case -by -case basis, include other practices appropriate for specific
types of businesses such as telework where appropriate, screening of
employees for illness and exposures upon work entry, requiring non -cash
transactions, etc.; and
v. Implement additional protocols established in the Governor's Guidelines
for Opening up Idaho and the business -specific protocols published at
https://rebound.idaho.gov/.
4. People at increased risk for severe illness should self -isolate. Because of the risk of the
rapid spread of the virus, and the need to protect all citizens of the State of Idaho, this Order
strongly encourages individuals at increased risk anywhere in Idaho to stay at home.
Members of households with residents that are at increased risk should be aware that by
returning to work or other environments where distancing is not always possible, they
could carry the virus back home. Precautions should be taken to protect and isolate from
residents at increased risk for sever illness.
People who are at higher risk for severe illness are defined by the CDC. Additional
information is located at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-
precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html
5. The violation of any mandatory provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat to
public health. Violation of or failure to comply with a mandatory provision of this Order
may constitute a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both pursuant to
Idaho Code § 56-1003(7)(c). The Governor and Director requests that the Sheriffs and
Chiefs of Police in the State of Idaho, and Idaho State Police educate the public about this
Order and ensure compliance with this Order.
6. This Order is effective as of November 14, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. and will continue to be in
effect until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Governor
and Director.
7. The Stay Healthy Order dated October 27, 2020 is hereby rescinded.
8. To decrease the spread of COVID-19, the cities, counties, public health districts, school
districts, and institutions of higher education within the State of Idaho may enact more
stringent public health orders than those set out in this Order. Health orders issued by cities,
counties, public health districts, school districts, or institutions of higher education that are
more stringent than this Order remain valid.
9. Each county and each city must promptly provide copies of the Order as follows: (1) by
posting the Order on its website, (2) by posting the Order at each county courthouse and
each city hall, and (3) by providing a copy to any member of the public requesting it. The
Order will also be posted on the website of the Department of Health and Welfare.
STATE OF IDAHO AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY ORDER
REBOUND.1DAHO.GOV - 6
10. If any provision of this Order or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be
invalid, then the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision
to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and
effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.
IT IS SO ORDERED:
BRAD LITTLE, GOVERNOR
STATE OF IDAHO
DAVE JEPPESEN, DIRECTOR
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
AND WELFARE
Dated: November 13, 2020
Dated: November 13, 2020
STATE OF IDAHO AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
STAY HEALTHY ORDER
REBOUND.IDAHO.GOV - 7