Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced his plan to reopen the state with a four-stage solution.
In the first stage, which begins on May 1, some nonessential businesses, including retail stores and day cares, may reopen. However, bars, restaurants, gyms, hair salons and large venues, like move theaters and sporting venues, will remain closed. Gatherings are still discouraged and should be avoided. Visitors will also have to enter a 14-day quarantine when entering the state.
The second stage allows for gatherings of less than 10 to occur and restaurants can reopen for in-person dining when a distance plan has been approved by the health department. Gyms and hair salons can also reopen, but large venues and bars will have to stay closed. The 14-day quarantine for visitors still applies. The second stage has a target date of May 16, but it will be reevaluated.
The third stage, set to begin on May 30, loosens the gathering restrictions and allows for up to 50 people to gather at once. Bars and large venues remain closed, but both will be required to work on reopening plans for limited occupancy. Nonessential travel can also resume to places where an ongoing transmission is not happening.
The fourth and final stage, with a targeted beginning date of June 13, allows for vulnerable Idahoans to resume public interactions while practicing physical distancing. Gatherings of more than 50 are also allowed to take place, but only with “appropriate physical distancing and precautionary measures.” Similarly, bars and large venues can reopen but must operate with limited occupancy and proper distancing. This stage also permits onsite working to take place with physical distancing.
