BOISE, Idaho — For the latest Idaho 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.
Latest Idaho coronavirus updates
Friday, May 8
5:11 p.m. - Idaho adds 22 new confirmed cases, no new deaths
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and public health districts across Idaho updated their daily totals on the coronavirus pandemic in the Gem State. Statewide, Idaho added 22 confirmed cases, bringing the Gem State's confirmed cases total to 2,030, and no new deaths. The number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 increased to 1,442.
3:07 p.m. - Emmett Cherry Festival canceled
The Gem County Chamber of Commerce announced the 86th annual Emmett Cherry Festival has been canceled due to the stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions. The festival was scheduled for June 17-20, 2020.
3 p.m. - Boise State University to hold virtual commencement Saturday
Boise State University will hold its first ever virtual celebration for graduates on Saturday morning.
In all, 2,785 students are eligible for more than 3,000 degrees and almost 800 are students that are eligible for honors.
If you would like to tune in, you can watch the ceremony online or on the school's Facebook page at 10 a.m.
2:20 p.m. - Idaho Power announces updated plan to open campgrounds, boat ramps
Idaho Power could reopen some campgrounds as soon as May 29. Other recreational sites such as boat ramps and day-use areas may open sooner.
The company owns more than 60 recreational sites along the Snake River, including campgrounds in Hells Canyon and at C.J. Strike and Swan Falls reservoirs. All were closed in mid-March in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, a handful of boat ramps and day-use areas have reopened, and the company hopes to open additional outdoor recreation sites May 15.
A full list of open sites is available at idahopower.com. Visitors should check the website to make sure their destination is open before traveling, as dates could change.
8:40 a.m. - Western Idaho Fair still making preps for a 2020 fair
The Western Idaho Fair posted on its Facebook page that no decision has been made whether the fair will go on as planned for August 21-30 or be cancelled for 2020. Organizers say they are optimistically planning and making preparations for a 2020 fair and continuing to monitor the facts regarding COVID-19.
They are working with government officials, local health officials and community partners to modify plans with the priority of keeping patrons, partners and employees safe. And are working hard to create an experience people want and love. They will provide updates as information becomes available.
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.
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