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1 Statewide Stay-Home Order FAQs Updated March 25, 2020 Idaho Gov. Brad Little and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare issued a statewide Stay-Home Order on Wednesday, March 25, for all Idahoans. How long will the order last? The order covers the entire state and begins immediately. It will last for at least 21 days. Gov. Little and public health officials will reassess the statewide situation before the end of the 21-day period to determine what happens next. What can I do? What’s open? • Gas stations • Pharmacies • Food: Grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants • Banks and credit unions • Laundromats/laundry services • Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services. • See a detailed list of essential services and business. What’s closed? • Dine-in restaurants • Bars and • Entertainment venues • Gyms and fitness studios • Public events and gatherings • Convention centers • Hair and nail salons Can the order be changed? Yes. As the situation changes and more information is available, the Governor and public health officials can issue new orders and directives as needed. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 How does this order interact with local orders already in place? This is a statewide order, but cities, counties and local public health districts may enact more stringent measures. If I don’t get a paycheck, I won’t be able to buy groceries or pay rent. Are there services to help me? Yes. You may be eligible for public assistance for food, medical care, rent, and more. Please call 1-[PHONE REDACTED] or visit www.livebetteridaho.org to apply. Can I get groceries? Repair a plumbing issue? Shop for shoes? What is considered “essential travel”? Yes, yes, and no, unless you are shopping online for shoes. All residents of Idaho must self- isolate and work from home as much as possible, unless you work in healthcare, public safety, or an identified “essential business” as defined in the order. Will restaurants be open even if my community has not restricted them to delivery, takeout, or drive-thru services? All restaurant dining rooms will be closed. Check restaurant websites for information on delivery, takeout, and drive-thru services. Will public transportation be available, like buses? Only to those who need transportation to provide or obtain essential services. Do I have to stay home and inside, or can I go outside for exercise and recreation? Outdoor activity near your home is OK, but you should keep a distance of 6 feet from people outside of your household. Social distancing requirements are in effect on paths, trails, sidewalks, riverbanks, beaches, parks, and anyplace outside on private or public property where people might gather. Crowds are a no-no. Can I drive to a mountain town like McCall or Stanley? There aren’t many people in those communities, so social distancing should be easier. Generally, no. The point of the order is to keep people home and slow the spread of COVID- 19. All non-essential travel must be avoided. Please stay home so you don’t overwhelm the limited resources in small towns and communities who are also staying home to slow the spread. What if I want to have a birthday party for my child? Consider having it online or postponing it until the order has been lifted. Non-essential gatherings of any number of people should be avoided. Do I need to pay my taxes? Yes, state and federal deadlines have been extended. All state taxes are now due on June 15. Federal taxes are due by July 15. Who will enforce the order? Can I get a ticket if I’m out for non-essential reasons? State and local law enforcement will enforce. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Can I still go out to pick up my prescription? Yes. You may leave your home to visit a pharmacy. Can I leave home to care for my elderly parents or friends? Or a family member or friend who has disabilities? Yes. Be sure to follow social distancing guidelines to protect them and you. If you are sick with any respiratory illness, stay home and find someone else to help care for them. Can I visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other residential care facility? Generally, no. This is difficult but necessary to protect facility staff and other patients. There are limited exceptions, such as if you are going to the hospital with someone younger than 18 or who is developmentally disabled and needs assistance. For most other situations, the order prohibits visitation to these kinds of facilities except at the end-of-life.