BOISE, Idaho — Editor's note: The above video discusses the implications COVID-19 is having on long-term care facilities.
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.
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:
Friday, June 12
6:54 p.m. - Idaho surpasses 3,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases
Based on data collected from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and health districts across Idaho, there are now 3,024 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Gem State.
Statewide, there are now 87 COVID-19-related deaths, with three new deaths reported on Friday, and 3,353 probable and confirmed cases, according to Health and Welfare. 2,776 people have recovered from the coronavirus.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
2:40 p.m. - Idaho releases data on COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities
On Friday, June 5, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare released data on outbreaks of the coronavirus in long-term care facilities in Idaho.
The state reported that there are 25 outbreaks of COVID-19 in facilities across Idaho. Fifteen of those outbreaks have ended, and ten of those had only one resident or staff member test positive for the coronavirus. The Department of Health and Welfare reported that there are 289 total cases from the outbreaks, as of June 5.
To view the full list of long-term facilities, click here.
In case you missed it:
- Health district warns of possible coronavirus exposure at downtown Boise bars
- Massive turnout for 'Farmers to Families' food distribution program in Nampa
- Idaho Gov. Brad Little announces Idaho will move into final reopening stage
- Downtown Boise YMCA shuts down after member tests positive for coronavirus
- Health and Welfare director: Idaho's suicide rate has declined during pandemic
- Alive After Five still bringing live music to Boise during pandemic
Thursday, June 11
6:45 p.m. - 38 new COVID-19 cases in Idaho, additional death reported in Twin Falls County
The state of Idaho reported an 38 new coronavirus cases - 33 confirmed and 5 probable - bringing the statewide total to 2,986. Health officials in Twin Falls County reported one additional death there. The statewide death toll now stands at 86. According to the state, 2,684 people have recovered from the virus.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
3:33 p.m. - The Village at Meridian, Discovery Center of Idaho announce reopening plans
Two popular Treasure Valley destinations announced reopening plans on Wednesday.
While most of its businesses have already reopened, The Village at Meridian says it is now "nearly 100 percent open" and back to normal operations.
Though the shopping experience at The Village is returning to a sense of normalcy, some summer events and activities are downsizing. And some events - like Rock the Village and Witches Night Out - will not be held in 2020 due to the thousands of people that traditionally attend. Instead, according to the Village, they will opt for smaller, more intimate events including live performances on the patio at Big Al's and in Fountain Square. Other events include fine art displays, car shows, storytimes, yoga, and more. Find out more about the planned events here.
Also on Wednesday, the Discovery Center of Idaho in Boise announced that it will reopen to the public on July 7. The Center says they will reopen with a traveling exhibit called "King Tut: Treasures of the Tomb," a 6,000 square-foot, touch-free exhibition that includes replicas of the pharaoh's sacred and personal possessions along with artifacts from the period surrounding King Tut's reign.
The Discovery Center is also making some changes to its operations, including:
- Timed entry ticket purchases with limited capacity and new operating hours
- Contact-free payment options at the door (credit and debit cards only)
- Designated entrance and exit with an automatic door opener to minimize surface contact
- Galleries will have a specific route to follow to help maintain social distancing
- Floor staff busy cleaning all surfaces throughout the day
- Automatic hand sanitation stations and hand washing throughout the Center
- Visitors will be highly encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing
- Closed on Mondays for deep clean of the entire facility
Gov. Little announced Thursday that Idaho will move into Stage 4 of the Rebound Idaho plan, beginning on Saturday. Under Stage 4, night clubs and nursing homes will be open as long as these facilities can adhere to safety precautions and social distancing measures. See our full story here.
Large events, like sporting events, and gatherings of more than 50 people will be permissible as well.
Little said that the state almost did not meet the criteria to move into Stage 4 this week.
"Despite our incredible process, there are still some in Idaho who are not practicing measures to keep themselves and others safe," Little said. "I urge you to practice safe measures to protect others."
Little also stated that community spread is occurring in over half of the cities in Idaho.
"This isn't just a Boise and Treasure Valley issue," Little said. "Across the country, we're seeing the virus move from cities and rural areas where healthcare access is limited."
See the full video from the press conference here:
Watch live at 10 a.m. mountain time: Idaho Gov. Little to speak
We will live stream Idaho Gov. Brad Little's press conference about Stage 4 of Idaho Rebounds on Thursday at 10 a.m. mountain time Thursday.
Idaho has been in Stage 3 of the four-phased "Idaho Rebounds Plan" for nearly two weeks.
Idaho is set to begin Stage 4 if the state meets all the necessary criteria on Saturday.
Some factors include a 14-day period of a downward trend or low levels of COVID-19, available ventilators, intensive care unit beds and personal protective equipment (PPE) to safely care for additional coronavirus patients in hospitals.
Little is set to make an announcement on the plan on Thursday.
In case you missed it:
- Idaho education board to request CARES Act funds to improve 'blended learning'
- Despite weeks of criticism, Lt. Gov. McGeachin says she doesn't support the recall effort against Gov. Little
- The Boise School District releases a draft plan for reopening in the fall, and is planning to use its rainy day fund during the pandemic.
- A summer camp for foster kids was canceled, but organizers found another way to reach out
- A Caldwell woman waiting on unemployment benefits is questioning Gov. Brad Little's back-to-work cash bonus
- Meridian parents get creative to celebrate baby's birth with family
Wednesday, June 10
9:08 p.m. - State now tracking coronavirus 'hotspots' and local trends
The Idaho Division of Public Health is now releasing data on COVID-19 hotspots throughout the state, as well as local trends. The information posted on the state's website on Wednesday shows Twin Falls (22) and Ada (16) counties as having the highest number of cases reported this week. Minidoka (12), Canyon (10), and Cassia (10) round out the top five. The tool is interactive, so you can select previous weeks to see how the hotspots have changed over time.
In addition to reporting active hotspots, the state has also broken the data down by county, so you can see specific trends for each individual county. For example, by clicking on Ada County, it shows the county has had a total of 854 COVID-19 cases. A graph below the map shows a timeline of when those cases were reported.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
6:55 p.m. - Idaho reports 37 new confirmed and probable cases; no new deaths
The state and local health districts are reporting 30 new confirmed cases and seven probable cases on Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 2,953. The state's death toll from the virus held steady at 85. According to the state's coronavirus website, 2,628 have recovered from the virus.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
7:53 a.m. - In case you missed it:
A Boise woman celebrated her 103rd birthday on Monday. Because of COVID-19, she was unable to leave her house and celebrate, but thanks to her family, she was still able to enjoy a drive-by party.
Tuesday, June 9
5:38 p.m. - Idaho inches closer to 3,000 confirmed cases, 2 more deaths confirmed
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced that two more people have died from COVID-19 IN Twin Falls County, bring the statewide death toll to 85. According to data collected by the department and health districts across the state, 27 new confirmed cases were found, which brings the Gem State's total number of confirmed cases to 2,923.
The number of presumed recoveries did climb again on Tuesday. 2,554 people have recovered from the coronavirus, according to the Department of Health and Welfare.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
3:30 p.m. - Caldwell's Fourth of July fireworks show 'will go on'
Caldwell's Fourth of July fireworks show will go on as planned, the city announced in a Facebook post. The fireworks will be launched over Brother's Park beginning at dusk.
While the fireworks show will go on, other Independence Day events in the city, including the annual parade and activities at Memorial Park, have been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.
City leaders are urging anyone who attends the fireworks show at Brother's Park to socially distance themselves from others.
"Should you choose to attend fireworks at Brother’s Park, we encourage family units to space out with 6 feet of distance in between groups," the city said. "The celebration may look different for everyone this year; whether you stay home and host a barbecue or choose to watch from another area of the City, we will all be together in spirit!"
2:16 p.m. - Boise's "We the People" Fourth of July Parade canceled
The organizers of a popular Fourth of July parade say the event will not roll through downtown Boise this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic and guidelines from the city restricting large-scale public gatherings.
"While the Committee is disappointed to be unable to host this important celebration in 2020, we encourage Boiseans to remember and celebrate the many blessings of Independence with their families and neighbors wherever possible," organizers said in a Facebook post.
They added that they look forward to resuming the parade in 2021.
Several other Fourth of July events, as well as a number of annual summer events, throughout the Treasure Valley and across the state, have already been canceled due to the pandemic.
RELATED: 'This risk is simply too high': McCall will not hold Fourth of July fireworks show this year
RELATED: Several major Treasure Valley events scheduled for summer 2020 canceled because of coronavirus
Monday, June 8
7:34 p.m. - 2,890 confirmed cases, no new deaths; Community spread confirmed in Lincoln County
The state of Idaho and local health districts on Monday reported 48 new confirmed COVID-19 cases - 28 from Sunday and 20 from Monday - bringing the statewide total to 2,890. No new deaths were reported on Sunday or Monday. According to the state, 2,509 people have recovered from the virus.
Meanwhile, community spread has been confirmed in Lincoln County, South Central Public Health District announced on Monday. Officials say they detected at least one case of novel coronavirus with no out-of-state travel and no identified contact with another person with confirmed COVID-19.
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. Health officials expect more confirmed cases in Lincoln County and are urging all residents to assume the virus could be anywhere in the community and surrounding counties.
Lincoln is the seventh of eight counties in the south-central Idaho region with confirmed community spread.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
2:45 p.m. - Gov. Brad Little announces a new property tax relief plan
Idaho Gov. Brad Little held a news conference at 2:45 p.m. in Coeur d'Alene on Monday afternoon and announced a new property tax relief plan.
The governor's plan would cover 103% of counties' and cities' public safety salary costs if they verify that they're not using property taxes to fund salaries for police, fire, and EMS, up to $200 million. Little said property tax changes have been in the works for a while, but getting more money in Idahoans' pockets now is crucial.
This is the governor's third stop across Idaho for his ongoing discussions about public safety. He was joined by local and county leaders and Senate Pro Tem Brent Hill.
2:30 p.m. -- City of Boise to conduct hybrid meetings
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced Monday that as the City of Boise moves through Stage Three of recovery it will begin to conduct hybrid meetings. City leaders are strongly encouraging virtual attendance while they start providing opportunities for in-person attendance and testimony again.
The first hybrid Planning and Zoning meeting will take place on June 8, and the first City Council meeting will occur on June 9.
City Council work sessions, Design Review, Historic Preservation and other city boards and commissions will continue to meet remotely. Meeting times and details are available online.
The Stage Three orders limit gatherings to no more than 50 people. In order to adhere to physical distancing requirements and to allow for members of the public who wish or need to testify at a physical location, there will be a limited number of staff physically present with others joining virtually. In the initial phase, 35-40 seats will be available in council chambers at a six-foot distance from one another. Residents, applicants, and neighborhood associations are encouraged to attend and testify virtually whenever possible. Meetings will be livestreamed.
2:25 p.m. -- Boise Comic Arts Festival 2020 goes virtual
Boise Public Library is shifting the Boise Comic Arts Festival 2020 from a live event to a virtual event this summer in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Library staff are planning new ways to create a virtual event during the week of August 24, including contests and activities to engage fans of all ages.
"The health and safety of the community is the Library's top priority," said Library Interim Director Kristine Miller. "Given current guidelines, there is concern that hosting an event of this size could put guests, creators, vendors, and the public unnecessarily at risk. While it is disappointing not to host a live event this year, Boise Public Library is excited to offer a virtual version of the comic arts festival experience."
BCAF has been a staple for Boise's comic arts fans, with previous attendance averaging around 7,000 people. The free event typically attracts fans from across the state with panel discussions, cosplay for adults and kids, gaming exhibitors, and much more.
10:35 a.m. -- Idaho State Historical Society reopening on Saturday, June 13
ISHS will begin welcoming the public to the Idaho State Museum, the Old Idaho Penitentiary and other facilities and services this Saturday.
The reopening plan, approved by Gov. Little, includes attendance limits and other restrictions designed to protect public health and the safety of visitors and staff from the spread of coronavirus. The plans are part of the governor's overall Stage 4 Idaho Rebounds protocols for the period between June 13-26.
The plan includes:
• Limited on-site services and timed entry of 30 visitors per hour, or maximum of 60 visitors at any given time, inside the Idaho State Museum.
• Limited access to 50 people per hour at the Old Pen.
• Online ticketing for the State Museum and Old Pen.
Starting June 13, all services will be available at the State Historic Preservation Office. Essential services will be available at the State Records Center. On-site services will also be available at the Idaho State Archives and Research Center, though appointments are strongly encouraged.
ISHS sites will offer discounted admission for healthcare workers, first responders, and service industry workers June 20-21.
9:03 a.m. - 4 new cases reported between Saturday evening and Monday morning
Most health districts and the State of Idaho do not report numbers on Sunday so only 4 new cases were reported between Saturday evening and Monday morning. The state now has 2,846 confirmed cases, based on data released by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the state's health districts. Health and Welfare states there are now 3,139 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Idaho.
Two of the new confirmed cases were in Bonneville County. Bannock and Bingham counties each reported one new case.
No new deaths were reported. 2,461 people have recovered.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
In case you missed it: Idaho potato farmers are stuck with mountains of spuds
They say COVID-19 has decimated demand. Farmers are scrambling to figure out what to do with the 2020 crop of potatoes, many that are used across the U.S. for french fries. See our full story here.
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