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.
Idaho coronavirus updates:
Monday, May 11
9:09 p.m. - In case you missed it: The COVID-19 pandemic is top-of-mind as hundreds of Idaho Air National Guard members began deploying to the Middle East; Idaho teachers unions are asking districts to hold off on budget cuts, and to instead use other funding resources such as "rainy day" funds; The Boise Hawks plan to open a "restaurant-like service" at Memorial Stadium; A spike in coronavirus cases in Twin Falls County isn't too worrisome, one doctor says; A North Idaho bar got a warning letter from police after it reopened early; The White House applauds Idaho for its reopening plan; And, the community comes together to help a 4-year-old Meridian boy celebrate his birthday.
5:40 p.m. - Three additional deaths reported in Treasure Valley
Three additional deaths connected to COVID-19 were reported in the Treasure Valley on Monday. That includes two deaths in Ada County, bringing the toll there to 21, and one in Canyon County, bringing the toll there to seven.
Statewide, 70 people have died from complications related to the coronavirus. There have now been 2074 confirmed cases, and the state is reporting an additional 186 "probable" cases. More than 1,500 people have recovered from the virus. See more in our interactive map and timelines tracking coronavirus in Idaho.
2:05 p.m. - White House applauds Idaho for reopening plan, distribution of relief funds
The White House has highlighted Idaho as a leader among states for its four-stage plan to reopen the economy "safely and responsibly," and for its efforts in allocating federal relief funds, Gov. Brad Little said in a news release Monday.
"In recent media events and during meetings with state leaders, President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and White House officials have called out Idaho as an example for other states to follow in our staged approach to reopening, how we are prioritizing direct assistance to small businesses in our use of federal relief funds, and our level of transparency in reporting use of the funds," Little said.
According to the governor's office, about $300 million in federal funds from the CARES Act will go directly to small Idaho businesses in the form of cash grants and cash for personal protective equipment to support workers and customers. The majority of the remaining funds are designated for local and tribal governments throughout Idaho.
Idaho received $1.25 billion in April as part of the CARES Act. Approximately 36% - about $450 million - of the funds have been allocated so far, and the rest remains in a state account to cover any extraordinary and unanticipated expenses that may arise.
A full breakdown of how funds are being allocated can be found here.
12:30 p.m. - Governor Little to host press conference regarding Stage 2 of Idaho Rebounds on Thursday
We will air the governor's press conference live on KTVB and stream it live on KTVB.COM at 1 p.m. Thursday.
11:50 a.m. - Idaho Department of Labor making pandemic unemployment assistance payments
The Idaho Department of Labor is now making payments for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which provides benefits to individuals who are unemployed because of COVID-19 and are not eligible for regular benefits.
Payments will be made to workers who are not monetarily eligible for regular benefits and have no pending issues on their claim.
Payments will initially be for the minimum benefit amount of $168 per week for up to 39 weeks of total benefits. The weekly benefit amount may increase when workers provide proof of income and the Department reviews the proof. There is no need to submit proof if claimants have already done so. A supplemental payment will then be provided for claimed eligible weeks.
Application instructions will be mailed to claimants and can also be found on the Idaho Department of Labor's website.
The payments are retroactive to Feb 2, 2020, or the first week an individual is out of work due to COVID-19, whichever is later. The payment will be delivered in one lump sum.
There is no need to call the department as claimants can check the Claimant Portal to confirm payment.
10:55 a.m. - Gov. Little announces criteria, timelines for small businesses to apply for Idaho Rebound cash grants
Little announced last week that $300 million in cash grants will be made available to Idaho small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Cash grants of up to $10,000 will be directly deposited into the bank accounts for eligible businesses. More than 30,000 businesses could benefit.
Applications will be handled in two waves:
*Eligible entities with one to 19 employees may apply starting at noon MDT on May 11 through noon MDT on May 15
*Eligible entities with one to 50 employees may apply starting at noon MDT on May 18 through noon MDT on May 22
All applicants must first establish a secure Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) account if they do not already have one, in order to protect their personal and business information on submitted applications.
Recipients of the grants will be shared at Transparent.Idaho.Gov when information is available.
10:45 a.m. - Apple Store in Boise to reopen
Idaho's only Apple Store in the Boise Towne Square will reopen on Monday, May 11 at 11 a.m. In a statement, Apple said it was excited to be reopening six stores in four states this week. The other states are South Carolina, Alabama and Alaska. Most of Apple's 510 stores worldwide have been closed since the first half of March. Here is a portion of that statement:
"We’ll open initially with additional safety procedures including temperature checks, social distancing, and face coverings to ensure customers and employees continue to stay healthy. Our new social distance protocol allows for a limited number of visitors in the store at one time so there may be a delay for walk-in customers. We recommend, where possible, customers buy online for contactless delivery or in-store pick up."
9:30 a.m. - Macy's at Boise Towne Square Mall reopening
Macy’s Boise Towne Square is reopening to customers and communities. Following the Centers for Disease Control, state and local guidance, Macy’s will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering contact-free curbside pick-up.
“We are ready to welcome our customers back to Macy’s Boise Towne Square,” said Marc Mastronardi, chief stores officer at Macy’s. “We’re introducing new precautions to keep your family and ours safe and are now offering curbside pick-up to make getting what you want quick and easy.”
Sunday, May 10
ICYMI: A Boise mother and son graduated from Boise State together during the university's first virtual commencement ceremony. Read the full story here.
Saturday, May 9
Boise State University held its first ever virtual commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning.
In case you missed it, you can watch the ceremony online or on the school's Facebook page.
5:17 p.m. - Idaho adds only 19 confirmed cases, 3 probable cases, no new deaths
Health departments are Idaho updated their data on the coronavirus in Idaho. For Saturday, May 9, Idaho only added 19 confirmed cases, which brings the statewide confirmed number of coronavirus cases to 2,049. Idaho's number of cases in which the patient recovered from COVID-19 increased to 1,473.
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 canceled 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.
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