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 continues to reopen.
New confirmed COVID-19 Idaho cases and recoveries, closures, reopening plan details and resources to help could be announced every day. 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 is tracking to determine when the Gem State can move to the next reopening stage.
Latest coronavirus updates:
Wednesday, May 27
Note: KTVB will live stream Idaho Gov. Brad Little's press conference on the third stage of reopening Idaho on Thursday, May 28, at 1:30 p.m. mountain time on KTVB.COM and our YouTube channel. If certain criteria are met, the third stage of Idaho Rebounds would begin on May 30.
9:42 p.m. - Some Idaho Power campgrounds to reopen on Friday
Several developed campgrounds in Hells Canyon and at C.J. Strike Reservoir south of Mountain Home will open Friday as Idaho Power continues a phased reopening of recreational facilities that closed in March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other popular day-use areas, including Twin Falls Park and boat ramp and the company’s park at Thousand Springs in the Hagerman Valley are also expected to open Friday.
Notable exceptions are Copperfield Campground in Hells Canyon and Scout Park at C.J. Strike, both of which will remain closed until further notice. Access across Swan Falls Dam south of Kuna and to the museum there also remains closed. According to Idaho Power, those locations will be among the last sites to reopen because they are close to Idaho Power facilities where power plant employees are most likely to come into contact with visitors.
An updated list of which sites are open is available here.
9:14 p.m. - In case you missed it:
- Boise mayor on coronavirus cases: 'We are optimistic' about moving to next reopening stage
- Ada County Elections taking steps to prevent fraud, protect voter privacy
- What does 'pending issue stopping payment' mean? Idaho Department of Labor answers common unemployment questions
- Meatpacking plant in Burley hit with coronavirus outbreak
- 'This risk is simply too high': McCall cancels Fourth of July fireworks show
- CWI graduate celebrates her accomplishment by wakesurfing at Lucky Peak
6:04 p.m. - Additional death reported in Twin Falls County
The state of Idaho and local health districts are reporting 32 new confirmed cases on Wednesday, bringing the statewide total of cases to 2,496. The state is also reporting an additional five "probable" cases. Another death was reported in Twin Falls County, where a total of 23 people have now died due to COVID-19. Statewide, the death toll now stands at 82. According to the state, 2,185 people have now recovered from the virus.
1:55 a.m. State releases 'guidance for gatherings' document
Idaho Gov. Brad Little and local public health officials have released a document designed to help event organizers determine whether a gathering can safely go forward.
The guidance is broken down by the stages of reopening, and includes tips like limiting entrances and exits, using barriers and signs to enforce physical distancing, and dedicate some staff to disinfecting areas that come into a lot of contact with people.
“We’re dealing with an unexpected disease that can show very mild or nonexistent symptoms in some people and have devastating effects on others, and we all must do our part to protect others by following these measures,” Governor Brad Little said. “In the coming months, our personal actions in following the recommended guidance and protocols will help us protect lives, preserve healthcare capacity, and rebound our economy more quickly.”
10:42 a.m. - McCall is canceling its annual Fourth of July fireworks display
McCall's yearly Independence Day fireworks display over Payette Lake is not happening this year. City officials and the Chamber of Commerce decided to cancel the show out of concerns about social distancing and the spread of coronavirus.
Instead, the community is planning a host of other events for the Fourth of July weekend, including a drive-in concert, boat brigade and a light-up caravan.
Watch Idaho Gov. Little speak about stage 3 of reopening Idaho
KTVB will live stream Idaho Gov. Brad Little's press conference on the third stage of reopening Idaho on Thursday, May 28, at 1:30 p.m. mountain time on KTVB.COM and our YouTube channel. If certain criteria are met, the third stage of Idaho Rebounds would begin on May 30.
The live stream will begin in the below video player shortly before 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
Tuesday, May 26
8:54 - In case you missed it:
- Idaho Gov. Brad Little says the overall coronavirus trend is 'going the direction we want'
- Idaho's unemployment rate hit a record high in April as statewide stay-at-home orders went into effect
- As Idaho moves forward with new COVID-19 testing strategy, how big of a role will antibody tests play?
5:40 p.m. - 22 new cases reported statewide Tuesday
Confirmed cases reported to the State of Idaho and public health districts around the state now total 2,464, with 81 deaths, since Idaho's first case of COVID-19 was reported back on March 13. Twenty-two new confirmed cases were reported Tuesday. A total of 2,100 people who tested positive for COVID-19 are now presumed to have recovered.
4:15 p.m. - COVID-19 community spread confirmed in Cassia County
South Central Public Health District confirms at least one case in the county not related to out-of-state travel or identified contact with another person with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Cassia County becomes the fifth out of the eight counties in the SCPHD with confirmed community spread.
Community spread means at least one person has been infected with the virus and investigation is not able to determine how or where they became infected.
Public health officials expect more confirmed cases in Cassia County and urge all residents to assume the virus could be anywhere in the community and surrounding counties.
Monday, May 25
9:08 a.m. - The number of confirmed cases in Idaho jumps to 2,412
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Idaho jumped to 2,412 Monday morning. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare shows the confirmed and probable cases together as 2,626 as of Saturday.
Sunday, May 24
In case you missed it:
- District surveys show what Idaho schools could look like for the upcoming year
- The president of the Idaho State Board of Education weighs in on possible options for a return to the classroom
- Memorial Day observances in the Treasure Valley will be different due to the coronavirus pandemic
- As coronavirus restrictions ease, is it safe to ride an e-scooter?
- Boise State University announced that in-person classes will resume this fall, but some precautions will be taken. Read more here.
- Idaho Gov. Brad Little held a press conference on Thursday to inform Idahoans of the state's plans to ramp up coronavirus testing and ensure all facilities have access to supplies they need. You can read the comprehensive breakdown here and watch the KTVB livestream here.
Saturday, May 23
5 p.m. - Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare updated the states COVID-19 numbers. Idaho has 2,626 confirmed and probable cases and is reporting that 1,735 people have recovered. No new deaths were reported.
Friday, May 22
8:45 p.m. - Biggest jump in confirmed COVID-19 cases since April
Idaho's official website reports 2,595 confirmed cases of COVID-19 Friday with 61 new confirmed and probable cases and two deaths in Twin Falls County. Late Friday South Central District Health added an additional 44 cases in their area.
Probable cases are people with symptoms who haven't tested positive but have had contact with someone who has tested positive.
Friday's updated numbers show the biggest jump in confirmed COVID-19 cases for a single day in over a month.
Idaho is currently reporting 79 deaths (two new reported in Twin Falls County), and 1,735 recovered.
Earlier this week South Central District Health reported the likelihood of an increase in cases due to increased testing.
See a comprehensive breakdown of case numbers by county and timelines tracking Idaho's coronavirus case trends in our interactive map and timeline.
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