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.
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.
4:20 p.m. - West Ada School District cancels high school proms at The Village
A letter was sent out Monday to students and parents announcing that Ada County is moving back to Stage 3 of Idaho's reopening plan. That means gatherings of more than 50 are not allowed.
Based on this change in reopening status, the high school proms scheduled to take place at The Village have been canceled.
West Ada officials said they understand and share the disappointment.
High schools will be contacting students to provide a refund for tickets that students purchased for the event.
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.
Sunday, June 21
Sunday, June 21 marks 100 days since Idaho confirmed its first case of COVID-19. You can look back on these 100 days on our Coronavirus page.
In case you missed it:
- Health officials meet with Boise bar owners as downtown coronavirus cluster grows
- Idaho looks to have traditional voting options for November general election
- Boise students will get option of in-class or online learning in the fall
- NCAA approves preseason model, Boise State allowed to start team activities two weeks early due to COVID-19
Saturday, June 20
5:52 p.m. - Idaho's 14-day average of new cases continues to climb, over 100 new cases confirmed.
The Gem State's rise in new COVID-19 cases, both confirmed and probable, continues to grow. The 14-day average of new cases is now 61.857, the highest since April 15 when it was 65.785.
Idaho now has 3,594 confirmed cases, based on data provided by the state and various health districts. 116 confirmed and 16 probable cases were reported, making for the third straight day over 100 cases were confirmed. The last time that happened was April 1 through 3.
No new deaths were reported. 3,305 cases are presumed to have recovered.
Friday, June 19
5:50 p.m. -- Third highest number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Idaho
The state and local health districts are reporting 117 new confirmed and 16 probable cases of COVID-19 cases on Friday.
That's the third highest single day total since Idaho began tracking cases in March.
Statewide, there has been 3,478 total confirmed cases, 3,871 total confirmed and probable cases, 89 deaths, and 3,183 recoveries.
Looking at the 14-day moving average in the graph below you can see Idaho has been steadily increasing its number of new cases each day this week.
11:05 a.m. -- Zoo Boise to open Monday, June 22, with new health and safety protocols
Zoo Boise will reopen to the public and Friends of Zoo Boise members on Monday, June 22.
"We are grateful for the community's support over the last three months as we worked to keep our employees and animals safe," said Doug Holloway, Boise Parks and Recreation director. "Our team looks forward to welcoming guests back to the zoo, and although you will notice some changes, please know your health and safety are always our top priority."
Some new protocols to note when visiting the zoo:
• Advance tickets will be required for all visitors, including members. The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To reduce lines and allow for physical distancing, we have implemented a timed entry process. All visitors, including members, are required to reserve a ticket for a specific time slot to enter the zoo before arrival. Guests will have to enter in the 30-minute block for which their tickets were purchased on the specific date listed. Refunds will not be available, and all tickets must be purchased online in advance.
• Prior to entering the zoo, there will be clearly marked waiting lines with markers to promote physical distancing of at least six feet between ticket holders. Please have your pre-purchased tickets either printed off or downloaded to your phone so they may be scanned prior to entering the zoo. Friends of Zoo Boise members, please have your tickets and zoo membership card available.
• Once guests enter the zoo, there will be a set, one-way path to walk around the zoo allowing six feet of physical distancing between groups. The one-way path takes approximately two hours to complete. Zoo ambassadors will be stationed along the route to assist and answer any questions you may have.
• There will not be any re-entries into the zoo at this time due to the new guidelines in place.
Some exhibits and activities will not be available when the zoo reopens.
Notable closures include the Small Animal Kingdom, Penguin Pavilion, Schoolhouse, Bat-House, the zoo carousel and all playground areas.
There will be no animal encounters at this time due to recommendations in regard to animal safety. This includes the Sloth Bear Encounter, the Giraffe Encounter and the Zoo Farm.
The Butterfly in Bloom exhibit will not be open this season.
Zoo concessions, stroller rentals and an outdoor gift shop will be open with limited operations.
All zoo restrooms will be open, but note they are spaced out along the one-way walking route. Water fountains will be turned off, so plan accordingly. There will be hand sanitizing stations available throughout the zoo.
Zoo Boise is asking guests to wear masks when they visit but is not requiring them. This recommendation is being made for the health and safety of zoo guests and staff, and all of the animals.
10:45 a.m. -- Idaho Humane Society awarded $10,000 COVID grant
The Idaho Humane Society is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Rachael Ray Save Them All COVID-19 Relief Program. This grant program was initiated to assist animal welfare organizations whose life-saving efforts have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; it is funded by The Rachael Ray Foundation™ and administered by Best Friends Animal Society.
The Idaho Humane Society has seen a large uptick in families needing financial assistance for critical and urgent veterinary care for their pets.
"We are grateful to Best Friends for providing this financial support to help animals receive critical veterinary care needed to live and stay in their homes. This grant comes at a much-needed time to provide emergency assistance to animals in Idaho, but also those owners who live outside the state with nowhere else to go," says CEO, Dr. Jeff Rosenthal.
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:
- Interactive map and timeline tracking Idaho COVID-19 cases
- Coronavirus resources: Testing sites, at-risk grocery hours in the Treasure Valley
- List of employers hiring during the coronavirus pandemic
- How to help southern Idaho nonprofits or get help during the coronavirus pandemic
- Closures: List of venues, sporting events, and public buildings closed or canceled due to coronavirus concerns
- What will Idaho Schools look like in the fall?