Gov. Little extends Stage Four for two additional weeks

Gov. Brad Little hoped his state of Idaho would exit the fourth and final stage of his Rebound Idaho plan on June 29, which would essentially free businesses of health protocols implemented in May when he launched his plan. On Thursday — July 23, nearly a month after Rebound Idaho was supposed to expire — Little extended Stage Four for another two weeks.

“Unfortunately, we’re seeing increased spread in Ada, Canyon, Twin Falls, Conneville and Kootenai County,” he said at a Lewiston press conference. “...We’re not where we want to be in the coronavirus situation. We have many things in place to help us get where we need to be.”

Despite those tools at Idahoans’ disposal — namely the wearing of masks, the washing of hands and staying home when sick, among others — the state’s COVID-19 numbers continue to climb. The state reached 16,736 total confirmed and probable cases, including 414 new cases Thursday.

Despite Rebound Idaho’s statewide uniformity, Little has pushed for localized control of virus management over the past month. While Little has resisted a statewide mandate, he continued to champion for Idahoans to don masks.

“The one thing that will dramatically slow the spread of the coronavirus is for every single one of us to wear a mask,” Little urged. “I couldn’t agree more with President Trump: ‘Wearing a mask is the patriotic thing to do.’”

Little urged Idahoans to wear masks through the pandemic, less than two hours before Kootenai County residents became obligated to do so.

“Wear a mask to show you are a strong Idahoan and strong American,” he urged. “Wear a mask so our kids can go back to school in August. Wear a mask so our economy can continue to rebound. Wear a mask so that we can maintain capacity in our health care facilities, so that no one has to make the difficult decision about who receives care when resources become limited . Wear a mask to protect lives.”

Stage Four — which establishes guidelines for all businesses to follow during a pandemic that has, to date, claimed 138 Idahoans’ lives — will remain in effect until Aug. 7, unless Little extends the order for a third time.