A new recovery plan from the Idaho governor’s office says many nonessential businesses could reopen in just over a week, as long as progress in fighting the coronavirus does not backslide.
“Like everyone, I want our economy back up and running as soon as possible, but we simply cannot open everything all at once and reverse the good work we have done collectively over the past month to slow the spread of coronavirus,” Gov. Brad Little said in a press release.
The state’s stay-at-home order is currently effective through April 30.
The plan calls for easing economic restrictions in four stages, with two weeks in between each stage. However, stages could be postponed if the state begins to see the Covid-19 case rate go up or hospital capacity go down.
- The first phase: Bars, gyms and theaters would remain closed and restaurants would continue carryout service, but some other businesses and places of worship could open with social distancing plans.
- The second phase: Restaurant dining and salon businesses would be permitted, although gathering would still be limited to fewer than 10 people.
Idaho’s plan says, even under the best-case scenario, bars and theaters would not be allowed to reopen until June 13 at the earliest.