Governor orders non-essential Idahoans to stay home

Governor Brad Little announced this afternoon that he was issuing a three-week stay-home order for almost all Idahoans.

“Idaho is now in a new stage,” Little said at a quickly-arranged news conference. “The confirmed community transmission [is] now occurring in Idaho’s most densely-populated areas.”

The move orders all residents — both healthy and ill — to stay home and limit non-essential travel. Those who are high-risk are to avoid leaving home, according to the proclamation. The Governor further ordered to limit public transportation and refrain from any non-essential travel.

Only those who work for businesses and programs that provide essential services are exempt.

Non-essential businesses such as bars, nightclubs, gyms and recreation centers have been ordered to close. Restaurants — many of which have already closed their lobbies and dining floors — can still provide take-out and drive-thru.

“Employees that do not provide essential services must take all steps necessary for employees to work remotely,” Little ordered.

Staffers from Little’s office said the details of the order would be released later today on the Governor’s coronavirus website, coronavirus.idaho.gov.

The order also activates the state’s National Guard to remain on stand-by to support law enforcement. In a Q & A session with the media, Little said he believes community peer pressure was his first hope in enforcing the order, rather than troops.

“Our goal isn’t to arrest people,” Little said. “Our goal is to keep Idahoans safe by maintaining this stay-home order.”

This is a developing story.