Our state’s leadership has been burning some midnight oil, it seems, in crafting a detailed game plan for “re-opening” Idaho’s economy. For all its detail, the language can be a bit... technical. (One of the official pamphlet subheads is titled “Syndronic” -- really?)
With a modest amount of skimping and glossing, here are some key takeaways:
The guidelines and criteria are the result of a “data-driven approach” that aims to accomplish three things:
1. Reduce the risk of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable people.
2. Keep our hospitals manageable.
3. Safely reopen businesses.
Staging for Recovery
This effort will roll out in 4 stages. It will be monitored by the state as we go, and certain criteria must be met before we move to the next stage. Depending on progress -- or lack thereof -- stages may have to be extended or reversed.
Over 14-day intervals, the state will keep close tabs on the rate of ER/hospital admissions from people reporting COVID-19 symptoms. Health officials will also have an eye on the rate of total cases reported through Idaho’s integrated disease reporting system.
Some of the specific responsibilities include:
- Setting up screening and testing sites for anyone with symptoms
- Putting contact-tracing measures in place for all COVID-19 positive results
- Providing screening sites that serve older individuals, rural residents, lower-income populations and ethnic minorities
- Quickly delivering protective equipment and medications to handle a dramatic surge
- Testing symptomatic healthcare workers
Not counting the current guidelines and order already in place, we’re looking at a 4-stage process.
All the current rules still apply through April 30. That means self-quarantine except for essential business, no gatherings outside the home and no non-essential travel. For businesses, that means encouraging telework and adhering to strict protocols regarding hygiene. Bars, nightclubs, gyms, hair salons, theaters, stadiums -- all are to remain closed.
Moving forward, how will the stages of reopening unfold? Let’s take a closer look. Every two weeks there will be re-evaluation against criteria to determine feasibility to advance from one stage to the next.
Stage 1: May 1-15
The first stage is pretty close to what’s already in place, with businesses being encouraged to develop plans for how they will safely reopen in Stage 2. There is some subtle encouragement to “return employees to work in phases, if physical distancing, personal protections and sanitation are feasible.” Daycares, organized youth activities and camps can reopen in Stage 1, and some conditional allowance will go to churches, as long as they’re strict on distancing, sanitation, etc.
Stage 2: May 16-31
In the second phase, more emphasis is on quarantine of vulnerable residents. Gatherings, both public and private, of less than 10 people, where appropriate physical distancing and precautionary measures are observed can occur. Stage could also be good news for some businesses who need it the most -- restaurant dining rooms can open once their plans have been submitted for approval by local public health districts. Same for gym and salons if they meet the protocols. Large venues will still be closed
Stage 3: May 30-June 12
At this stage, vulnerable Idahoans can resume public interactions. Gatherings of up to 50 people can occur, and non-essential travel can resume -- but only “to locations that allow it and do not have ongoing transmission.” Employers can return workers in phases as needed, but special accommodations should be made for vulnerable employees. Visits to jails and senior living facilities are still prohibited. Bars, nightclubs and large venues must still remain closed, but this would be the time to develop plans in order to open in Stage 4.
Stage 4: June 13-26
At this point, large public gatherings will be able to resume as long as participants observe appropriate physical distancing and precautionary measures. (Whether that includes masks was not clear.) With worker protections in place, employers can resume unrestricted staffing of worksites.
Finally, visits to senior living facilities would be able to resume, but “those who interact with residents and patients must be diligent regarding hygiene and physical distancing.” Bars and nightclubs can open up, but with diminished occupancy. Same for movie theaters, ball parks, etc.
For more details on coronavirus in Idaho, click HERE.
As of Thursday, April 23, the state has a total of 1,836 cases (including 34 today) and 54 deaths.
