Gov. Little bans ‘vaccine passports’ in Idaho

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Governor Brad Little signed an executive order Wednesday banning any State of Idaho governmental entity from requiring so-called “vaccine passports” – or proof of COVID-19 vaccination for citizens to receive public services or access facilities.

Proclamations from other states like Florida and Texas also ban some business entities from enforcing proof of vaccination, but Little’s only applies to state agencies.

Little said getting vaccinated should be a choice for Idahoans.

“Vaccine passports create a different class of citizens,” Little said. “Vaccine passports restrict the free flow of commerce during a time when life and the economy are returning to normal. Vaccine passports violate the individual’s freedom to choose the vaccine.”

Despite this declaration, Little wants Idahoans to continue to get the vaccine.

“The COVID-19 vaccine has been tested and is proving to be safe and effective, with each passing day, as more and more Idahoans choose to get vaccinated, we get closer and closer to fully returning to normal,” Little said.

According to the New York Times, Idaho is just a percentage point below the national average, at 18% percent, of fully vaccinated individuals.

Idaho is also 1% below the national average, which is 76%, in terms of doses used from their allocation.

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