Mask mandates removed in Ada and Valley counties

Mask mandates in Ada and Valley counties are no more.

Board members of the Boise-based Central District Health voted unanimously this morning to remove the health orders for the two counties, which have been in place for several months. Ada County’s health order went into effect on June 24, while Valley County’s order went into effect on Aug. 11.

The health orders that contained the mandates will now move to advisories in both counties.

Dr. Ted Epperly, a member of the board, emphasized that the lifting of these orders does not mean that the COVID-19 pandemic is over and everyone should continue to wear masks, physically distance from others and take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Panhandle Health Board voted in late January, over objections of some people, to extend its districtwide mask mandate for 90 days.