Idaho Governor Brad Little is urging his state’s citizens to impose more discipline on themselves to keep COVID-19 from spreading. The governor told reporters today [Wednesday] that the Gem State will adopt federal guidelines to maintain as much physical distance between people as they can.
“Through the end of the month, I encourage Idahoans to do the following things. Do not visit nursing homes, retirement homes or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. But still, find alternative ways to connect with loved ones in these facilities, such as phone, text, FaceTime and others," Little said.
The governor urged people to avoid travel if they can help it and to avoid gatherings where more than 10 people might congregate. He advised people to work from home when they can and to use drive-through, pickup and delivery options when they order food from restaurants.
State epidemiologist Christine Hahn says Idaho has nine confirmed cases of coronavirus, in Ada, Blaine, Madison and Teton counties.
“Two of them have been hospitalized. To my knowledge, as of today, they are both doing ok. I didn’t get an update this morning, but I understand they’re doing fine. They’re recovering," Hahn said.
The governor did not order the closure of schools or other public facilities. He said, as of now, he’ll leave those decisions up to local communities and school districts.