Gov. Little calls on National Guard to help in pandemic response as Idaho rolls back to modified Stage 2

 

Governor Brad Little signed an executive order today mobilizing the Idaho National Guard to help the pandemic response in new ways, and he signed a new statewide public health order rolling Idaho back into a modified Stage 2 of the Idaho Rebounds plan.

Healthcare leaders say they are weeks away from having to ration care because too many healthcare workers are out sick with COVID-19. That means they will have to turn people away from emergency departments or they will be unable to provide the best care for patients with COVID-19, heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues.

“This is the biggest challenge facing healthcare right now – the availability of trained healthy nurses and doctors to care for all patients, not just COVID-19 patients. This impacts all of us, whether we have COVID-19 or not,” Governor Little said.

Executive Order 2020-19 calls 100 troops to provide a host of capabilities where they are needed, potentially including mobile testing support, medical facility decontamination, or COVID-19 screenings, in addition to ongoing planning and logistics support.

Under the new statewide Stage 2 public health order:

  • Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. This does not pertain to religious or political expression. Physical distancing is required for all gatherings.

  • At-risk Idahoans should self-isolate.

  • All Idahoans are encouraged to telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations.

  • Masks continue to be required at long-term care facilities.

  • Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants continue to operate with seating only.

Governor Little said this does not mean Idaho’s economy is on lockdown. Businesses and churches will remain open under the new statewide public health order. However, all individuals and businesses should continue following recommended protocols to minimize transmission, including wearing masks when around others not in your household. Those protocols are available at Rebound.Idaho.Gov.

Governor Little stressed the importance of our students remaining in their classrooms for in-person instruction as much as possible.

“We put millions of dollars toward the safe operation of schools. Schools are controlled environments and they remain safe places to work and learn, when protocols are followed. School buildings are not the place where virus transmission is occurring,” Governor Little said. “School closures threaten the biggest capacity issue facing our healthcare system – the availability of healthy workers. If a healthy nurse or doctor must stay home to facilitate online learning for their children, then they can’t care for the sick and help get us through this crisis. Our kids need to remain in school for in-person instruction as much as possible.”

Governor Little also talked about the importance of wearing masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Half of Idaho’s population is under a local ordinance requiring masks, but we are seeing non-compliance with those local orders. Or, people are wearing their masks in public but then take them off in social settings where the virus is more likely to spread. Law enforcement can cite individuals for violating local ordinances, but law enforcement cannot be everywhere all the time. That is why I maintain this comes down to personal responsibility. Please, wear a mask whenever you’re around another person who is not in your household so we can protect lives, preserve healthcare access for all of us, and continue our economic rebound,” Governor Little said.

More from Magic 97.9

Thursday marks two years since Michael Vaughan’s disappearance

Thursday marks two years since Michael Vaughan’s disappearance

Thursday will mark two years since the disappearance of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan in Fruitland. Michael vanished back on July 27 of 2021. In December of 2022, police named four people they believe to know about his disappearance, but Michael’s fate remains a mystery, although police believe he is dead. One arrest was made. Sarah Wondra…

Idaho State Board of Education wants a judge to toss Labrador lawsuit

Idaho State Board of Education wants a judge to toss Labrador lawsuit

IDAHO CAPITAL SUN The State Board of Education’s hired attorney wants a judge to toss Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s open meetings lawsuit against the board. Labrador’s arguments against the State Board — and its closed-door meetings to discuss the University of Idaho’s plans to acquire the University of Phoenix — “needlessly undermine the people’s trust…

Lori Daybell Sentencing Set For Next Week

Lori Daybell Sentencing Set For Next Week

Lori Vallow Daybell’s defense attorneys do not believe Tammy Daybell’s aunt has a right to speak during Lori’s sentencing hearing next week. Vicki Hoban, Tammy Daybell’s aunt, is being allowed to speak in place of Phyllis Douglas, Tammy Daybell’s mother, who died on June 8th. A presentence report filed last week shows victim impact statements…

Chad Daybell Hearing Set For Thursday

Chad Daybell Hearing Set For Thursday

Nate Eaton from East Idaho News is reporting a hearing will be held Thursday in Chad Daybell’s case. Chad’s attorney has filed a motion asking for a transcript and all exhibits from Lori Vallow Daybell’s jury trial. The hearing will be on Zoom and begins at 9:30 a.m.

Here’s how to get the new no-fee state ID card in Idaho

Here’s how to get the new no-fee state ID card in Idaho

Courtesy Idaho Capital Sun BY: CLARK CORBIN – JULY 17, 2023  As part of a new law that took effect July 1, the Idaho Transportation Department is offering free state identification cards for Idaho adults who do not have a driver’s license to use for voting.  The no-free IDs were part of House Bill 340, a new voter…

ISP Investigate Fatal Crash in Twin Falls County

ISP Investigate Fatal Crash in Twin Falls County

Idaho State Police is investigating a crash that happened late Saturday morning in Twin Falls County. The crash happened just west of State Highway 50. A Twin Falls woman was traveling westbound in an SUV when she crashed into the back of a truck hauling a camp trailer parked on the right shoulder. The driver…

More Hot Weather Ahead for Boise

More Hot Weather Ahead for Boise

A trough of low pressure is heading toward southern Idaho this morning. This will likely bring some cloud cover to the Treasure Valley and showers in the mountains. By the afternoon, skies should begin to clear. This trough of low pressure will also bring some coastal air that should cool temperatures today and tomorrow. Highs…