BOISE, Idaho — For the latest coronavirus updates, click here.
Idaho's number of deaths and cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, continue to climb amid a worldwide pandemic.
New confirmed COVID-19 Idaho cases, closures and resources to help are announced every day.
Thursday, May 7
8:58 p.m. -- In case you missed it: Some Boise beauty salon owners are frustrated by what they call vague guidance on when they might reopen; Boise Mayor Lauren McLean explains how city's reopening plan differs from the state's; A Nampa bar owner is vowing to remain open, even after a visit from Idaho State Police; More than 125,000 Idahoans have filed for unemployment during the pandemic; the Boise School District is keeping students fed with mobile school lunch pickup; and the Capital City Public Market is relocating to Garden City this weekend.
5:15 p.m. -- Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Idaho tops 2,000
The number of confirmed cases rose Thursday to 2008; another 170 cases are listed as "probable." One more coronavirus-related death was reported in Nez Perce County, bringing the statewide toll to 67. The Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare reports 20 new confirmed or probable cases today. 1,420 patients are presumed to have recovered.
2:45 p.m. -- Capital City Public Market to open Saturday in new location
The Capital City Public Market will open back up again this Saturday. However, the outdoor downtown Boise market headed to Garden City.
According to their website, the Capital City Public Market will be at their new location at 303 E. 34th Street in Garden City from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The market’s opening was postponed earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and concerns for the community. Organizers say they have been working on a scaled-down version with plenty of social distancing to keep the public safe.
11:55 a.m. -- Main Salmon, Middle Fork to open to floaters mid-May
Float trips on the Main Salmon River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon will be allowed to resume May 16, the Forest Service says. Permits will be issued virtually, and all boat launches will open that same day.
Boaters will be required to adhere to state orders and any Salmon-Challis National Forest closures during their trip.
Campgrounds and other developed sites will also begin reopening in the Salmon-Challis National Forest on May 16.
11:20 a.m. - McCall issues travel advisory to visitors
McCall city leaders are asking visitors to be prepared to be flexible, patient, and respectful of protection protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
When travel limitations are lifted, McCall and its business owners should maintain their own ability to change their service protocols as needed.
Some may require face masks, offer only curbside service, allow only a certain number of people in their building at one time, and other necessary safety precautions to protect their staff, their customers, and the community.
McCall is at an increased risk as a tourist destination with limited health care resources and EMS transport services.
10:45 a.m. - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reopening 17 of its sacred temples for wedding ceremonies
Church officials said that 17 temples in Idaho, Utah, Germany and Sweden will reopen Monday for marriage ceremonies only with a limited number of guests.
The faith plans a four-phase reopening of its 167 temples worldwide that were closed after the COVID-19 pandemic spread.
Wednesday, May 6
5:25 p.m. - Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases approaching 2,000 in Idaho
A total of 1,994 cases have been confirmed around the state. The death toll has increased to 66, the latest one was reported today in Payette County. The State of Idaho's coronavirus website reports 31 new confirmed or probable cases Wednesday. Of those new cases, 29 have been confirmed. 30,718 tests for the virus have been completed around Idaho, including 343 new test completions reported Wednesday.
3:35 p.m. - Protocols now available for indoor gyms, recreational facilities
The protocols are for indoor gym and recreational facilities managers to implement in order to open in stage 2 of the Idaho Rebounds plan, tentatively set to begin May 16.
The three-page document detailing gym and rec facility protocols calls for limiting occupancy to ensure that people can maintain distances of at least six feet apart from each other; also, disinfecting equipment after each person uses it, limiting the sharing of equipment, considering special hours for the elderly and other vulnerable groups, encouraging the use of face coverings, screening visitors and employees, among other steps.
Protocols for most businesses set to open in the first two stages of the four-stage plan are now posted in a special section on the Rebound Idaho website.
10 a.m. - The Village at Meridian begins reopening
The Village at Meridian and tenants are preparing to reopen to the public. The first priority is the health and safety of the community in this transitional phase, so there are changes that will be noticeable on the property.
Shoppers can expect to see the following during their shopping experience:
• More hand sanitizing stations throughout the property
• Increased frequency of cleaning high-touch areas and restrooms
• All Village at Meridian staff will be wearing masks and gloves or working behind a protective screen
• Increased signage encouraging social distancing and added markings on the ground showing appropriate distancing
• Playground will remain closed
Security will remind individuals in the group to comply with social distancing guidelines.
For an up-to-date list of business that are open go their website or call 208-501-8207.
6:36 a.m. - Camping in state parks to reopen May 30
Idaho's 30 state parks will officially welcome back campers on May 30. Camping reservations were shut down in late March due to the coronavirus, although parks remained open for day use, with some restrictions.
The Parks Department says there will be more frequent cleaning of restrooms and facilities. Campground showers and some lodging will remain closed.
Group camps and shelters will be opened on a case-by-case basis.
Refunds will be given to anyone having a reservation canceled between May 16 and 29.
At KTVB, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: www.ktvb.com/coronavirus.
Facts not fear: More on coronavirus
See our latest updates in our YouTube playlist:
Coronavirus resources:
What's an 'essential' business under the Idaho stay-home order? Gov. Little answers your questions
Coronavirus resources: Testing sites, at-risk grocery hours in the Treasure Valley
How to help southern Idaho nonprofits or get help during the coronavirus pandemic
List of schools and universities that cancel class in Idaho due to the coronavirus