Idaho moves back to Stage 3 due to healthcare capacity constraints

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) - Gov. Brad Little signed a statewide public health order Monday afternoon moving Idaho back into a modified Stage 3 of the Idaho Rebounds plan as healthcare facilities throughout the state face alarming demand and capacity constraints due to increasing COVID-19 spread.

“Hospitals throughout the state are quickly filling up or are already full with COVID-19 patients and other patients, and way too many healthcare workers are out sick with COVID-19,” Governor Little said.

Little talks about Idaho hospitals being inundated with COVID-19 cases and specifically the impact on military veterans.

Under the new Stage 3:

• Indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people or less.
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25-percent capacity.
• Physical distancing requirements are in place for gatherings of all types.
• Long-term care facilities will not be allowed to operate without requiring masks on their premises.
• There will be seating only at bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Nightclubs can only operate as bars.
• Employers should continue to protect at-risk employees by allowing telework or by making special accommodations for these individuals in the workplace.
• All individuals and businesses should follow recommended protocols for minimizing transmission of the virus available at Rebound.Idaho.Gov.

This story is being updated. Check back for additional updates.

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