Idaho’s governor has announced the Gem State is taking a step back to phase three of its coronavirus protocol.
State Epidemiologist Christine Hahn says the main factor is the surge in the number of hospital cases.
“The trends are not headed in the right direction," she said. "The hospitalization information, which we just updated today on our website, you can see our hospitalizations rising, our number of cases reported rising. We’re very concerned and that’s why the governor has taken this step.”
Governor Brad Little says the move back to phase three does not mean any businesses will close nor does it change anything for schools.
“It doesn’t mean our economy is on lock down. Our economy will remain open. It doesn’t mean in-person church will end. It doesn’t mean we’re restricting travel in or out of the state," Little said.
He says it means reductions in the number of people who can gather for indoor and outdoor events. It means seating only at bars and restaurants and visitors to long-term care facilities must wear masks.