Idaho: State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance

Please note: As of April 15, 2021 we are no longer doing regularly scheduled updates to this page.

April 12, 2021:

On April 7, 2021, Governor Little signed an Executive Order banning any State of Idaho governmental entity from requiring “vaccine passports”—a form of proof of COVID-19 vaccination for citizens to receive public services or access facilities.

March 25, 2021:

Governor Brad Little announced that starting March 29, 2021, any Idahoan with at least one medical condition will be able to access the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting April 5, COVID-19 vaccine appointments will be open to all individuals in the state ages 16 and older, with no prioritization of any group of people to receive the vaccine. Anyone, regardless of their age, medical condition, or occupation, will be eligible at that time. Idahoans are encouraged to continue accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration System at COVIDvaccine.idaho.gov.

March 8, 2021:

On March 5, 2021, Idaho announced a new COVID-19 vaccine appointment pre-registration system open to all who live or work in Idaho. The pre-registration system allows Idahoans to add their names to a waiting list, regardless of vaccination eligibility. They will then be contacted by an enrolled COVID-19 vaccine provider for scheduling purposes.

March 3, 2021:

Governor Little announced on March 2, 2021 that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $39 million to the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts throughout the state. Specifically, the IOEM will disperse funds to eligible applicants to assist with the costs of vaccination efforts. The funds, which come in the “final lap” of the state’s efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, would otherwise not be available without Governor Little's active emergency declaration.

February 18, 2021:

The COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee is meeting on Friday, February 19, 2021, at 2:00p.m. A full agenda of the event is accessible here. Public comment is currently being accepted via email to [email protected].

February 10, 2021:

On February 8, 2021, Idaho rolled out a new COVID-19 vaccine administration data tool as Governor Little promised in his January 28 executive order. The new tool shows the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses that individual providers and local public health districts have been allocated and the number of doses that remain for them to administer. The dashboard helps ensure the vaccine is being administered in a timely fashion. As of last week, 84 percent of first doses received in Idaho have been administered.

February 2, 2021:

On February 2, 2021, Governor Little announced the state’s return to Stage 3 of the Idaho Rebounds plan amid a steady decline of COVID case counts and hospitalizations. Stage 3 guidelines allow Idaho to remain open while limiting gatherings to 50 people or less, strongly recommending face coverings, and continuing social distance practices. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will continue to operate with “seating only” options for patrons. Additionally, large events, such as trade shows and weddings, with more than 50 people may obtain an exemption if the organizer submits an attestation to the local public health district confirming the event will follow necessary physical distancing and hygiene protocols.

October 7, 2020:

On October 2, Governor Little’s Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) voted to direct another $6 million in federal relief funds to higher education, bringing the total financial support from federal COVID funds for the public institutions this year to $54.4 million. The breakdown of federal COVID funding for higher education so far includes:

• $36,175,557 from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund: This was a direct distribution from the federal government to institutions. At least half is to be used for emergency grants to students to cover student financial losses. The remainder may be used for institution expenses.
• $14,147,128 from CFAC: This includes $4,147,128 to be used for COVID-related expenses; $4 million for Idaho Online, the new platform to make courses accessible across institutions; $5 million approved today for the eight public colleges and universities; and $1 million approved today for the five private, nonprofit postsecondary institutions to support critical expenditures related to their COVID-19 responses.
• $5,100,000 from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, one of the funds established by the CARES Act.

August 25, 2020:

On August 21, 2020, Governor Little announced that Idaho will remain in Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan for another two weeks; and also highlighted the $2.56 million in coronavirus relief funds just approved by the State of Idaho which will be directed to assist The Idaho Food Bank.

August 19, 2020:

On August 19, 2020, Governor Little issued a proclamation calling for a special legislative session to address the COVID pandemic and outlining the issues to be considered by the Idaho Legislature in the special session. The two issues that will be addressed are (1) the COVID-19 pandemic, including November election laws, and (2) civil liability standards during COVID-19 to help Idaho’s economy recover while encouraging care and safety in responding to the pandemic. Public health districts and education funding will not be addressed. The special session will convene on August 24, 2020.

August 18, 2020:

On August 17, 2020, Governor Little announced that Idaho will participate in the Trump Administration’s new conservative plan to offer extended unemployment benefits to continue economic rebound. The program will give Idahoans a benefit of at least $100/week and those who self-certify they are unemployed due to COVID-19 will receive an additional $300/week. Governor Little will reevaluate the need of additional income assistance in five weeks.

August 17, 2020:

On August 14, 2020, Governor Little’s Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee approved $2.56 million to support community food banks, $10 million to support long-term care facilities, and $2.75 million to support Juvenile Corrections Center in St. Anthony. These funds are meant to support costs associated with food bank equipment; care facilities with residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, including separate locations to care for these individuals or transportation costs for treatment; and creating better social distancing at St Anthony’s Juvenile Corrections Center.

August 12, 2020:

On August 7, Governor Little signed a proclamation to supersede all prior proclamations. This proclamation ordered the

• Continuation of the Idaho Rebound Cash Grants and distribution of funds to be administered by the Idaho State Tax Commission;
• Continuation of the Program to Procure and Distribute Personal Protective Equipment to Idaho Businesses and Nonprofits;
• Continuation of the Return to Work Bonuses Program; and

Continuation of the state of public health emergency for thirty days.

August 10, 2020:

On August 6, 2020 Governor Little reaffirmed his support of in-person schooling during the fall. Additionally, Governor Little has stated he expects any delays of in-person learning will remain short. Lastly, although Idaho will remain in Stage 4 for two more weeks, Idaho is directing funds to the safe reopening of schools, including:

• $10 million for masks, gloves, sanitizer, and plexiglass for schools.

• $48 million to assist bridging the “digital divide” to equip schools with computers, connectivity, and other resources to ensure successful remote learning.

• $21 million for COVID-19 testing for teachers and school staff.

• $3 million to increase testing lab turnaround time and capacity.

• $3 million to leverage Idaho pharmacies in testing efforts to allow quicker testing results for teachers, school staff, and families in rural Idaho.

July 27, 2020:

On July 24 the Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee approved an additional $40 million to increase COVID-19 testing and $10 million for schools to open safely.

• $21 million to test school staff, who are identified as a priority group by the Testing Task Force
• $10 million to cover additional masks, gloves, sanitizer, and plexiglass for Idaho schools as they reopen
• $13 million to improve testing in long-term care facilities
• $3 million to increase testing lab turnaround time and capacity as well as lab upgrades
• $3 million to increase access to testing in rural Idaho by leveraging Idaho pharmacists and pharmacies in testing efforts

July 23, 2020:

On July 23 Governor Little announced Idaho will remain in Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan for at least another two weeks. Although masks are not mandatory statewide, Governor Little highly encourages all individuals to wear a mask. The Governor’s Office also issued industry-specific guidelines to help businesses reopen as the state remains in Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds plan.

(Boise): The City of Boise has returned to Stage 3 of the “Idaho Rebounds” plan, effective June 24, 2020. As a result:

• Bars and nightclubs are closed (but wineries, distilleries, and restaurants that serve alcohol may remain open).
• Gatherings are limited to groups of 50 or fewer.
• Individuals are required to wear masks whenever social distancing cannot be maintained.
• The Boise Airport terminal is limited to ticketed airline passengers and those assisting, picking up, or dropping off ticketed airline passengers.

July 13, 2020:

On July 9, 2020, Governor Little presented the Idaho Back to School Framework, providing guidance to local officials in their decisions about the safe reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year. The Idaho Back to School Framework sets expectations for reopening in the fall, provides support for local governance and decision-making, and offers guidance and best practices on the key operational components of reopening. The guidelines and framework can be found here. Additionally, Governor Little announced that Idaho will remain in the final stage of the Idaho Rebounds plans for another two weeks. Information on the stages of reopening are available here.

June 25, 2020:

On June 25, 2020, Governor Little announced that the state will transition to a regional response to COVID-19. Regional response teams assist in the development and coordination of preparedness activities before a response action is taken. Also, the Governor announced that Idaho has not yet met the necessary requirements to move out of Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebound plan, and will remain in the final stage for at least another two weeks as the state continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Governor urged Idahoans to continue to:

• Wear protective face coverings in public.
• Keep a physical distance of at-least 6-feet from others outside of your household.
• Wash hands and surfaces regularly.
• Stay home if you are sick.

As Idaho remains in Stage 4, employers are encouraged to continue develop and implement measures to ensure that both employees and customers remain safe. Additional business protocols for Stage 4 can be found here.

June 22, 2020:

On June 22, 2020, Governor Brad Little issued an Executive Order that requests all state agencies to permanently eliminate the regulations that were temporarily waived in response to COVID-19, stating that there is a presumption that these regulations were dated and unnecessary.

The governor directed all state agencies to examine their rules in an effort to increase state healthcare provider capacity and reduce barriers to healthcare access for citizens. As a result of the rule examination, 150 rules were temporarily waived, and now the governor has announced that he wants those agencies to finalize the rule changes for a presentation to the Idaho Legislature in January of 2021.

June 18, 2020:

On June 17, 2020, Governor Little signed an Executive Order that established the authority for the administration of bonuses that are part of Idaho’s Return to work bonus program. The Order does the following:

• The creation of the Idaho Return-to-Work bonus program using up to $100 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The total amount for this program will be drawn from the remainder of the $300 million set aside from the Coronavirus Relief Fund for the Idaho Rebound Bonus Program.
• Bonuses of up to $1,500 shall be made available to Idaho workers who return to work on or before July 1, 2020.
• The program is part of the functions of the Idaho Workforce Development Council, which set the criteria for eligibility for the bonuses at its June 11, 2020 public meeting, including:
  • The worker has filed for unemployment benefits during the coronavirus pandemics, starting on or after March 1, 2020;
  • The worker has started work for a non-governmental employer no later than July 1,2020;
  • The worker makes $75,000 or less annually;
  • The worker meets the part-time (20 hours) or full-time (30 hours) hour thresholds in the four weeks immediately following the return to work;
  • The position for which the worker returned to work is intended to be an ongoing position beyond the four-week time period; and
  • The worker has not previously received a return to work bonus.
• The Idaho State Tax Commission shall administer the Idaho Return-to-Work bonus program and distribute the funds in account 0345, pursuant to Sections 46-1008(5), 72-1201, and 67-3516(2), Idaho Code.

To receive the bonuses, employers must apply for the bonuses on behalf of their employees. Eligibility requirements for the bonuses and how to apply can be found here.

Governor Little also announced the formation of two new committees to create a plan for reopening public schools this fall and a plan to address the “digital divide,” a term that describes the inequity between students’ access to remote learning across Idaho. The committees will support the Governor’s Office and the State Board of Education. The Public Schools Reopening Committee is chaired by Idaho State Board of Education President Debbie Critchfield and includes participation from legislators, the State Department of Education, school district and charter school administrators, operations staff, business and industry representatives and local health officials. The committee will make guidance and resources available to school districts and charter schools in the coming weeks. More information about the two committees, including meeting dates and membership can be found here.

June 11, 2020:

Governor Little issue Executive Order No. 2020-11 relating to the Idaho Department of Labor. This order supersedes a number of provisions in Executive Order No. 2020-04, including:

• Provisions of the Employment Security Law, Sections 72-1301 et seq., Idaho Code, that would require denial of unemployment benefits, or findings of willful misrepresentation on the sole basis that the claimant entered an incorrect reason for separation when applying for benefits, are waived or suspended in situations where the separation occurred because of the direction of a medical professional, local health authority, employer, or state or local government, that the claimant be isolated or quarantined as a consequence of COVID-19, even if not actually diagnosed with COVID-19.
• During this state of emergency, including extensions, or until December 31, 2020, whichever date first occurs, the one-week waiting period in the Employment Security Law shall be suspended for claimants making application for unemployment benefits on or after March 8, 2020, who otherwise meet the personal eligibility requirements of the Employment Security Law, and whose separation from employment occurs during the state of emergency declared pursuant to an emergency proclamation.
• Claimants who become unemployed because of their quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19 at the direction of their medical professional, local health authority, employer, or state or local government, during such period of quarantine or isolation, shall be considered unemployed through no fault of their own.
• During this state of emergency, including extensions, any benefit paid on unemployment claims described in Paragraphs 01 (a)(h) —(iv) above shall not be charged to the experience rating account of the employer who otherwise would have been charged.
• These suspensions are not blanket waivers of these requirements, but suspensions to provide Unemployment Compensation to those individuals who were laid off because of COVID-19 with the intent to return to their employer; individuals who were quarantined due to my March 25, 2020, order with the intent to return to their employer; individuals who were quarantined by a medical provider or my March 25, 2020, order due to a reasonable risk of exposure or infection; or individuals who were caring for a family member due to a reasonable risk of exposure or infection.

On June 11, 2020, the Governor also issued a Proclamation concerning the current state of emergency in the State of Idaho. The Proclamation, amongst other things, does the following:

• Rescinds the Extreme Emergency Declaration dated March 25, 2020.
• States the implementation of the plans and procedures of the State of Idaho Emergency Operations Plan is to continue.
• Suspends the following portion of section 74-203(5) of the Idaho Code until 11:59pm on June 26, 2020:
  • provided, however, that at least one (1) member of the governing body, or the director of the public agency, or the chief administrative officer of the public agency shall be physically present at the location designated in the meeting notice, as required under Section 74-204, Idaho Code, to ensure that the public may attend such meeting in person.
  • This suspension applies to the requirements (i) of having at least one member of the governing body or director physically present at the designated location; and (ii) of allowing the public to attend a meeting in person.
• Suspends the state income tax filing deadline for all Idaho taxpayer set in Section 63-3032 and 63-3034 of the Idaho Code until June 15, 2020.
• The deadline to apply for the Property Tax Reduction, Property Tax Deferral, and 100% Service-connected Disabled Veteran Benefit programs set out in Section 63-706, Idaho Code, is suspended until June 15, 2020.
• Relating to the Idaho Rebound Cash Grants established by Executive Order 2020-08 and Executive Order 2020-08-A:
  • The Governor directs the Director of the Department of Commerce to oversee the continuation of the Idaho Rebound Cash Grants pursuant to Section 67-4703, Idaho Code.
  • The Idaho State Tax Commission shall administer and distribute the funds in account 0345 for the Idaho Rebound grant program pursuant to Sections 46- 1008(5)(c), 67-4703 and 67-3516(2), Idaho Code. In the instance in which more applications are received than resources are available, the Tax Commission shall use a lottery system to select award recipients.
  • Executive Order 2020-08 and Executive Order 2020-08-A remain in effect, and are incorporated herein, to the extent consistent with this Proclamation.

On June 11, 2020, the Governor announced that the state met the criteria to enter the final stage of the Idaho Rebounds plan. On Saturday, 100-percent of businesses will be able to open their doors as we enter Stage 4 of our Idaho Rebounds plan. That means:

• Visits to senior living facilities and other congregate facilities can resume, under strict protocols to protect residents and workers.
• Nightclubs may operate with precautionary measures in place.
• Large venues such as sporting events can operate under protocols including physical distancing.
• Employers can resume unrestricted staffing of worksites, but should practice physical distancing, personal protections and sanitation for protection of workers, and continue to encourage telework when feasible. Special accommodations for individuals at higher risk for severe illness should be made.
• Travel can continue to locations that have no significant ongoing virus transmission.
• Gatherings of any size can occur as long as physical distancing and precautionary measures can occur.

June 9, 2020:

Governor Little announced the launch of ONE Idaho, an initiative highlighting the adaptability of Idaho businesses, employees and consumers as the state moves through stages of reopening and rebounding. Through the initiative, Idahoans are encouraged to take the ONE Idaho Pledge, committing to do their part as a business owner, employee or consumer. For Idaho businesses, that includes methods to limit close interactions, maintain six-foot physical distancing within their establishments, and stepping up onsite cleaning efforts. For the public, it is about continuing to practice social distancing, washing hands thoroughly and regularly, wearing a protective face covering in public, staying home when sick, and always following the latest safety guidelines. More details about the ONE Idaho initiative can be found at https://ONE.idaho.gov/.

June 8, 2020:

On June 8, 2020, Governor Little and Idaho legislators announced that the state is seeking to leverage federal coronavirus relief funds to cover local public safety personnel salaries and give cities and counties the opportunity to pass on the savings to property taxpayers. Idaho received $1.25 billion in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. U.S. Treasury guidelines allow for the funds to cover the payroll of public health and public safety personnel. The Governor and legislators agreed to direct up to $200 million for this purpose to local governments that agree to pass along the resulting budget savings to Idahoans in the form of property tax relief. The Governor’s Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee will finalize parameters for local government to participate in the program at its June 10 meeting.

June 5, 2020:

As of June 3, Idaho added guidance for outfitting services to mitigate COVID related risks to employees, guests and local communities.

• The guidance required that Idaho outfitters have an operational plan in place to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 to participants. Such plans should align with state and local orders and directives for COVID-19, however, plans do not need to be submitted for review or approval. Outfitters should:
  • Ensure employee training on COVID-19;
  • Establish protocols to maintain at least six (6) feet physical distance, where possible, between employees, clients, vendors, and service providers;
  • Establish protocols to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 among employees, patrons, and associated service providers in the course of a trip;
  • Identify how the employer will provide adequate sanitation and promote personal hygiene for guides, guests, associated service providers and employees;
  • Identify strategies for pre-screening guests, clients, and employees for COVID-19 diagnoses, symptoms and potential exposures to COVID19;
  • Update employee illness policy and provide COVID-19 staff training; and
  • Develop plans for staff, clients, or patrons who become ill with COVID-19-like symptoms during their trips.
• See guidance here.

On June 5, Governor Little announced his plan to offer up to $1,500 cash to Idahoans who return to work. Governor Little’s plan includes one-time cash bonuses of $1,500 for full-time work and $750 for part-time work and will be provided to the worker after return to the workplace. The funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants. More information on eligibility and how to apply for a Return to Work cash bonus are expected to be available by June 15.

June 3, 2020:

On May 28, Governor Little announced that Idaho had met the criteria to advance to Stage 3 of the Idaho Rebounds plan to safely reopen Idaho’s economy. Beginning May 30, 2020:

• Bars can open their doors, as long as protocols to protect workers and the public are followed. Governor Little moved up the opening of bars two weeks early, from Stage 4 to Stage 3.
• The opening of movie theatres has also been moved to Stage 3 instead of Stage 4, as long as protocols are followed. The protocols movie theaters must follow in order to open starting May 30 can be found here.
• Gatherings of up to 50 people can occur, where appropriate physical distancing and precautionary measures are observed.
• Only out-of-state travelers from areas of high spread should quarantine for 14 days after entering Idaho. This step will help our vital tourism and hospitality industry while keeping citizens safe.
• Over the duration of Stage 3, vulnerable Idahoans should be diligent to minimize exposure to transmissible moments.
• Employees should continue to telework whenever possible, and employers should continue to return employees to on-site work in phases. Employees who are considered vulnerable individuals should continue to self-quarantine. Special accommodations for these employees should be made in the workplace if they are unable to work from home.
• Non-essential travel can resume to locations that allow it and do not have ongoing transmission.
• All open businesses must continue to follow protocol for opening.
• Visits to senior living facilities and congregate facilities are still prohibited in order to protect workers and individuals in those facilities.
• Large venues and sporting events remain closed until Stage 4; except movie theaters which had their opening moved to Stage 3.

On May 26, 2020, Governor Little signed Executive Order 2020-08-A which amends Executive Order 2020-08. The amended order:

• Is a continuation and expansion of the Idaho Rebound cash grant. The program is expanded to include “self-employed Idaho residents” in addition to “small businesses.”
• Continues to make grants of up to $10,000 available to eligible small businesses with an EIN, but also makes grants of up to $7,500 available to eligible self-employed Idaho residents.

May 20, 2020:

Idaho is now in Phase 2 of its Idaho Rebounds reopening plan. Pursuant to the order of the Iowa Department of Health and Welfare, all business and governmental agencies may continue to resume operations at their physical locations except those business identified in the order. Those include: bars, nightclubs, and large venues (e.g., movie theaters, concert venues, sporting venues, public pools, etc.). Gatherings of 10 or more people should be avoided. Further, Idaho’s self-quarantine requirements have been relaxed and now apply only to persons returning to Idaho from places “with substantial community spread or case rates higher than Idaho.”

May 13, 2020:

Governor Little is expected to make an announcement Thursday, May 14th, about moving the state to the next stage of Idaho’s four-stage reopening plan, which could include reopening businesses like restaurants and hair salons.

April 26, 2020:

Governor Little issued two new proclamations this week – one extending his previous declarations for a disaster emergency and extreme emergency for the State of Idaho due to COVID-19 and another waiving additional regulations.

Extending the disaster emergency and extreme emergency declarations continues the activation of the Idaho Emergency Operations Plan, allows the state more flexibility to expedite contracts and purchasing of supplies, and allows the Governor to suspend certain regulations in order to protect the public.

The regulations waived in the second proclamation are aimed at maintaining or improving access to care while keeping Idaho citizens, particularly our most vulnerable population, as safe as possible. For example, the waivers suspend licensure requirements for out of state telehealth providers, remove financial barriers, and improve access to behavioral health services during this difficult time while keeping the patients and providers as a safe as possible.

April 16, 2020:

Governor Little extended the statewide stay-home order through April 30. As “Essential Businesses” continue to be exempt from the order and include: healthcare operations, essential infrastructure, grocery stores and food retailers, agriculture, homeless shelters, media, gas stations and auto repair, financial institutions, hardware stores, firearms businesses, plumbers/electricians, exterminators/landscapers and other sanitation service providers, mailing and shipping services, educational institutions, laundromats, hotels/motels, carry-out or drive-thru restaurants, grocery delivery services, transportation providers, home-based care, essential tribal operations, Idaho National Laboratory-related activities, professional services, childcare facilities, and businesses that supply other Essential Businesses. The order incorporates the federal CISA guidance to further define essential infrastructure.

March 26, 2020:

Governor Little declared an emergency and issued a statewide stay-home order effective through April 15. “Essential Businesses” are exempt from the order and include: healthcare operations, essential infrastructure, grocery stores and food retailers, agriculture, homeless shelters, media, gas stations and auto repair, financial institutions, hardware stores, firearms businesses, plumbers/electricians, exterminators/landscapers and other sanitation service providers, mailing and shipping services, educational institutions, laundromats, hotels/motels, carry-out or drive-thru restaurants, grocery delivery services, transportation providers, home-based care, essential tribal operations, Idaho National Laboratory-related activities, professional services, childcare facilities, and businesses that supply other Essential Businesses. The order incorporates the federal CISA guidance to further define essential infrastructure.