BOISE, Idaho — For the latest Idaho coronavirus updates, click here.
We're closely tracking Idaho's number of deaths and cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, as well as what's happening as Idaho reopens.
We have multiple graphs and timelines looking at the coronavirus case trends in Idaho, including a new graph showing a 14-day average that the State of Idaho has been tracking to determine when the Gem State moved to each reopening stage.
Thursday, June 24
9:53 p.m. - CDH confirms community spread in Valley County
Central District Health confirmed that three additional Valley County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the county to six. One of the recent cases was confirmed on Wednesday, while the other two were confirmed on Thursday.
The health district said it has confirmed evidence of community transmission, which is determined when an individual has not had contact with a known infected person or recently traveled.
One of the infected individuals confirmed this week required hospitalization, CDH said.
With community transmission identified in many counties throughout Idaho, and given Valley County's robust tourism, which brings in Idahoans from other counties, and residents of other states, officials said it is more important than ever that people follow public health recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"Valley County sees a considerable amount of tourism with people coming to enjoy our communities," said Elt Hasbrouck, Valley County commissioner and CDH Board of Health member. "We want to urge both members of our community and those visiting to protect one another. Wear face coverings in public and practice physical distancing. Let's look out for one another so we don't see continued spread and potentially harmful impacts to the health of our residents and local economy,"
8:18 p.m. - In case you missed it:
- 'We're tapping on the brakes': Gov. Little extends Stage 4 restrictions as Idaho's COVID-19 cases continue to rise
- Central District Health explains decision to close bars but not breweries in Ada County
- COVID-19 among Boise's homeless community: 'We went to Stage 4 and then suddenly it started to rear its ugly head'
- Boise police warn of rise in identity theft involving unemployment benefits
- Idaho unemployment numbers trigger rare extended benefits
- Gov. Little defends Idaho coronavirus response
- Boise State: 4 COVID-19 cases among athletes, coaches and staff contributed to shutdown
7:34 p.m. - Boise County has its first confirmed coronavirus case
Central District Health reported on Thursday the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in a Boise County resident. According to the health district, the man in his 30s reported having mild symptoms and is recovering at home.
"We have been very fortunate in Boise County to have been at zero cases this far into the pandemic," said Ryan Stirm, Boise County commissioner and CDH Board of Health member. "Now, more than ever, as we watch cases climb in neighboring Ada County and many other nearby counties, we need to be diligent about protecting our community which hosts visitors, travelers and recreation enthusiasts every day."
5:44 p.m. - Ada County sets a new record for new confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Just days after Ada County moved from Stage 4 back to Stage 3, new coronavirus numbers show the county continues to move in the wrong direction. Information released by Central District Health shows 112 new confirmed cases in the state's most populous county. That breaks the county's record set on Wednesday of 102 confirmed cases. Neighboring Canyon County had the second-most cases in the state on Thursday at 53.
Statewide, there were 217 new confirmed cases, and an additional 20 new probable cases. The state's death toll held at 90, and the state reports that 3,712 people have recovered from the virus.
For a closer look at the numbers, including county breakdowns and trends, check out our interactive map and timelines.
12:00 p.m. - Governor Little announced the state will remain in Stage 4 and urged people to be vigilant
During a news conference at the Idaho Statehouse, Governor Little announced the state will remain in Stage 4 for at least two more weeks. With positive cases trending upward in June, the state did not meet the criteria to advance past Stage 4.
The announcement came after Central District Health moved Ada County back to Stage 3 in response to an alarming increase in cases. Little says health officials will evaluate the situation at the end of the two week period and determine the next steps.
Wednesday, June 24
5:41 p.m. - Idaho reports largest single-day increase in new cases; Treasure Valley continues to be Idaho's coronavirus hot spot
The state of Idaho and local health districts reported 215 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. With an additional 20 probable cases, it's the largest single-day total for new cases since the outbreak reached Idaho in March. That brings the statewide total since the outbreak began to 4,645 confirmed and probable cases.
Two-thirds of Wednesday's confirmed cases were in the Treasure Valley. Ada County had 89 new cases, while Canyon County had 54. Central District Health also reported one new death in Ada County, bringing the statewide toll to 90. It was the first coronavirus-related death in Idaho since June 15.
According to the state, 3,610 people have recovered from the virus.
For a closer look at the numbers, including county breakdowns and trends, check out our interactive map and timelines.
4:47 p.m. - Inmate at prison south of Boise tests positive for COVID-19
A prison south of Boise has been locked down after an inmate there tested positive for COVID-19, the director of the Idaho Department of Correction said.
This is the first known case of coronavirus in an inmate at an Idaho prison.
According to Director Josh Tewalt, Idaho State Correctional Center officials were notified of the positive test result early Wednesday afternoon.
The person who tested positive became symptomatic on Tuesday and has been in isolation since reporting the symptoms to medical staff.
Tewalt said the prison has been elevated to Level 3 of its COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan and placed on full secure status, which means all movement into, out of, and within the facility is restricted while officials work to determine what areas beyond the infected person's tier will need to be quarantined.
Staff who may have come into contact with the inmate are also being notified.
1:45 p.m. - Meridian cancels Fourth of July fireworks show
Meridian joined Boise on Tuesday as the state's most populous cities announced they were canceling Fourth of July fireworks shows.
The announcements came after Central District Health announced on Monday that Ada County was moving back to Stage 3 after the county saw a spike in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. The order prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people.
"Keeping the health and well-being of our citizens in mind this year, and based on new Central District Health orders, the City of Meridian has canceled our fireworks show," the city said in a statement.
Tuesday, June 23
8:14 p.m. - In case you missed it:
- While COVID-19 cases in Canyon County grow, Southwest District Health has no plans to return to Stage 3
- Garth Brooks' virtual concert at Boise State canceled over coronavirus concerns
- Self-called legislative session ends with no votes, no action
- 'This wasn't to point fingers': Rep. Tammy Nichols of Middleton explains Tuesday's Statehouse gathering
- Reclaim Idaho wins lawsuit, gets 2nd chance to get school funding initiative on Nov. ballot
- How to apply for Idaho's return to work bonus
- 'It's devastating': Boise bar owners react to second shutdown as Ada County moves back to Stage 3
5:30 p.m. - Over 150 confirmed cases reported, death toll still at 89
Idaho's public health districts and the Department of Health and Welfare reported a combined 130 new confirmed cases and 25 probable cases on Tuesday evening. This marks the fifth out of six days that Idaho added over 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The statewide total of confirmed and probable cases is now at 4,402, of which 3,960 are confirmed. 3,484 people are presumed to have recovered, according to the state.
Ada County added 76 new confirmed cases, while Canyon County added 13.
No new deaths were reported on Tuesday.
For a closer look at the numbers, including county breakdowns and trends, check out our interactive map and timelines.
5:23 p.m. - Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announces new health guidelines, including cancellation of Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
On Tuesday evening, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean released new health guidelines for the City of Boise, which adds several new orders onto Central District Health's plan to return Ada County to Stage 3. Among the new developments, McLean announced the cancellation of this year's Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and will last 30 days.
McLean's new health order includes:
- All businesses must follow the safety protocols as outlined by the state.
- Additional protection will be provided at the Boise Airport and only travelers and essential workers and assistance aides will be allowed in public areas.
- Sanitation and social distancing of six feet are required unless other protocols were issued by the state.
- Group gatherings in Boise must have fewer than 50 people.
- All bars, taverns, nightclubs, private liquor clubs, taprooms, tasting rooms, bike bars, cabarets, and saloons must be closed
The city says it will continue to monitor the implications for each city department and will provide regular updates. Here's what residents can expect immediately:
- City Hall, City Hall West and Fort Boise Community Center will remain closed to the public with some services available by appointment.
- Under Central District Health guidance, the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration has been canceled.
- City Council, Planning and Zoning, Design Review and Historic Preservation will meet virtually, and remote public testimony will be facilitated.
- City of Boise employees will continue to work remotely whenever possible.
- Outdoor facilities, like Zoo Boise, that reopened on Monday, June 22 that have safety protocols that adhere to CDC and CDH guidelines in place may continue as planned.
4:45 p.m. - Garth Brooks concerts, "Out Of The Blue" movie at ExtraMile Arena canceled
Following the June 22 announcements regarding Ada County's return to Stage 3 and Boise State University's campus closure through Sunday, June 28, the two Garth Brooks Drive-In concert experiences at 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, have been canceled. Officials say the cancellation will help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus and keep the community healthy.
A full refund for tickets will be issued via Ticketmaster/Universe.
While ticket transfers are not available, there are other theaters in Idaho airing the Garth Brooks concert experience. Visit ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks for a list of available locations.
Earlier Tuesday, another event at ExtraMile Arena was also canceled. The B Stage Session's "Out Of The Blue" movie scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, has been canceled.
Refunds are available at the point of purchase and will be automatically credited to your account if you purchased with a credit card.
11:35 a.m. - ValleyRide to suspend fares again as Ada County moves back to Stage 3
The Valley Regional Transit bus program is suspending fares and putting new restrictions in place in response to Central District Health's order rolling Ada County back to Stage 3 of the coronavirus reopening plan.
Riders are asked to wear a mask, stay off the buses if they are sick, and sit as far from other passengers as possible. Drivers are also required to wear a face covering. Each bus will be wiped down between trips when possible, and will be fully decontaminated at night.
The Main Street Station in downtown Boise will be closed to the public. Routes 1, 3, 4 and 5 will stage on 9th Street just south of Main Street, while routes 2, 16 and 17 will stage in front of Main Street Station. Routes 6, 7A, 7B, 8X, 9, 10, 11, 40, 43 will stage on Main Street.
6:44 a.m. - Homeless at Boise Rescue Mission test positive for COVID-19
Multiple people staying at the Boise Rescue Mission have tested positive for coronavirus, the shelter says.
One man staying at the homeless shelter was taken to the hospital in poor health Thursday, and ultimately tested positive for the virus. That same day, every staff member and everyone staying at the shelter was tested for the virus.
Multiple homeless people who had been staying in the same dorm as the infected man also tested positive, as did one person from a different dorm. No staff members tested positive.
"We are disappointed that the virus has crept into the Rescue Mission family, and we are doing everything that we can to contain it and stop any spread," Rev. Bill Roscoe wrote in a letter. "I am confident that our Guests and staff are as safe as they can be, are monitored as necessary, our buildings are staying clean and sanitized and everyone will receive all of the support that they need."
Those infected, with the exception of the man hospitalized, did not show symptoms of COVID-19. They have been moved to the City-sponsored hotel for quarantine.
Monday, June 22
9:41 p.m. -- In case you missed it:
- Ada County rolled back to Stage 3, all bars will be forced to close
- Idaho's COVID-19 modeling helps determine the next steps in reopening economy
- How this spike in Idaho's COVID-19 cases is different from the last major rise in infections
- Zoo Boise reopens but with some changes
- Gov. Little cuts more red tape, preserves recent healthcare advances
9:12 p.m. -- West Ada makeup proms canceled after Ada County moves back to Stage 3
A heartbreaking development for high school juniors and seniors in the West Ada School District: Prom has been canceled - again.
On Monday, Central District Health announced that Ada County would be moving back to Stage 3 of reopening, due to a spike in COVID-19 cases over the last week. In stage 3, gatherings of more than 50 people are not allowed, and that means a series of proms this week at the Village at Meridian will not go on as planned.
"West Ada understands and shares the disappointment," district spokesman Eric Exline said in a statement. "The opportunity provided by The Village to make up prom was very generous."
High schools will be contacting students to provide a refund for tickets that students purchased for the event.
8:17 p.m. -- Boise State reports 8 new cases on campus, temporarily closes facilities
Boise State has temporarily closed all of its facilities on campus after eight people tested positive or are presumed positive for COVID-19. The university says it learned of the cases over the last two days and that each of the individuals were on campus during the last week.
The university and health officials are notifying those who were in close contact with the people who tested positive, and those people are being asked to self-quarantine for two weeks.
Boise State said it will close campus-owned and controlled facilities from through Sunday, June 28. During the closure, the only people allowed to be in facilities are security staff and housing administrative staff who are necessary to assist students who remain in campus housing. No other employees, vendors or contractors are permitted on campus, but university employees will continue to provide services remotely.
According to the university, the temporary closure will help mitigate the further spread of the virus by and between members of the university community, and ensure that facilities are appropriately disinfected.
"The goal remains the health and wellbeing of the community and the timely opening of campus for students in the fall," Boise State said in a statement.
5:24 p.m. - Idaho sees the second-biggest spike of COVID-19 cases ever on Monday
Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare and its public health districts reported a combined 164 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Monday, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 3,803. Monday's total is the second-highest of confirmed cases reported in a single day, only trailing the 227 cases reported on April 2.
The state says there are 3,405 presumed recoveries from COVID-19. No new deaths were reported.
Since statistics were not reported on Sunday, those numbers were released along with Monday's new case total. On Sunday, Idaho reported 81 confirmed cases, which broke the three-day streak of over 100 new cases reported.
Idaho has reported more than 100 new cases in four out of the last five days now.
For a closer look at the numbers, including county breakdowns and trends, check out our interactive map and timelines.
1:30 p.m. - Ada County rolls back to Stage 3, all bars will be forced to close
A cluster of coronavirus cases has been linked to several bars in downtown Boise. Bars were allowed to reopen under Stage 3 of the plan in May.
It's unclear how long Ada County will have to remain in Stage 3. Although Central District Health also covers Boise, Elmore, and Valley counties, the restrictions apply only to Ada County right now.
The return to higher restrictions was announced Monday afternoon by Central District Health.
Bars must close down by 12:01 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to the health district. The rest of the state will continue to remain in Stage 4.
Health officials in the district say there have been "daily significant increases" in Ada County over the past week, bringing the total number of cases in Ada County to 1,256.
READ OUR FULL STORY: Ada County rolled back to Stage 3, all bars will be forced to close
11:07 a.m. Central District Health to address spike in COVID-19 cases
Central District Health will hold a virtual press conference at 1 p.m. to address the recent spike in coronavirus cases. Cases in Ada County are currently at 1,256 cases to date.
The press conference will be streamed in the YouTube player below and on the Central District Health Facebook page.
10:55 a.m. -- ACHD to temporarily close headquarters building for cleaning
After an ACHD staff member tested positive for COVID-19, the ACHD headquarters building will be closed starting at 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, for a thorough cleaning and disinfection. The building will reopen on Wednesday, June 24th at 8 a.m.
Staff will work from home the next two days and are still available via email and phone. The Orchard location, maintenance and traffic operations facilities will remain open. Customers can continue to reach ACHD by calling 208-387-6100.
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.
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