BOISE, Idaho — Editor's note: The above video discusses what facilities will open and what restrictions will be lifted as Idaho entered Stage 4 of reopening on Saturday.
We're closely tracking Idaho's number of deaths and cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, as well as what's happening as Idaho continues to reopen.
We have multiple graphs and timelines looking at the coronavirus case trends in Idaho, including a new graph showing a 14-day average that the State of Idaho is tracking to determine when the Gem State can move to the next reopening stage.
Monday, June 15
9:52 p.m. - In case you missed it:
- Idaho senior living and long-term care communities ramp up COVID-19 protocols for visitors
- Boise's Bishop Kelly High School to host an in-person graduation ceremony
- Zoo Boise will reopen next week with some restrictions and closures
- Canyon County Fair to host FFA and 4-H livestock only, no carnival, no concerts
- Caldwell nurse goes to New York City to help critical COVID-19 patients
- Red Cross to test all donated blood for COVID-19 antibodies
5:08 p.m.- Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare cite 3,132 confirmed cases, 88 deaths and 2,877 recoveries
Two new deaths were reported today: one in Bonneville County and one in Kootenai County. These are the first COVID-19 deaths in both counties.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
11:30 a.m. 2020 Braun Brothers Reunion Festival canceled
Organizers of this year's Braun Brothers Reunion Festival in Challis, Idaho announced that the festival will be canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
The Braun family, which puts on the three-day concert event, wrote that they were "devastated" to cancel the event, but the risk of exposing artists, fans, volunteers and staff to illness was too high.
Refunds will be issued to all who bought tickets. Next year's festival is slated for Aug. 12- 14.
10:55 a.m. Red Cross to begin testing donated blood for COVID-19 antibodies
The Red Cross will begin testing donated blood, plasma, and platelets for COVID-19 antibodies beginning Monday.
The free testing could let donors know whether they have been exposed to the virus, even if they never felt sick or showed symptoms.
The Red Cross says there is currently an urgent need for blood, as many hospitals begin conducting surgeries and other treatments that had been postponed earlier. For more on this story, and for a list of blood drives near you, click here.
Sunday, June 14
In case you missed it:
- Health district warns of possible coronavirus exposure at downtown Boise bars
- Massive turnout for 'Farmers to Families' food distribution program in Nampa
- Idaho Gov. Brad Little announces Idaho will move into final reopening stage
- Downtown Boise YMCA shuts down after member tests positive for coronavirus
- Health and Welfare director: Idaho's suicide rate has declined during pandemic
- Alive After Five still bringing live music to Boise during pandemic
Saturday, June 13
6:25 p.m. - 41 new confirmed cases reported, 14-day average of new cases is the highest since April 22
Based on data gathered from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the state's multiple health districts, 41 new cases of the coronavirus were reported on Saturday. Statewide, there are now 3,065 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,837 recoveries, according to Health and Welfare.
The new 14-day average of new confirmed cases is now at 39.78571, the highest since April 22.
No new deaths were reported.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
ICYM:
Gov. Little announced Thursday that Idaho will move into Stage 4 of the Rebound Idaho plan, beginning on Saturday. Under Stage 4, night clubs and nursing homes will be open as long as these facilities can adhere to safety precautions and social distancing measures. See our full story here.
Large events, like sporting events, and gatherings of more than 50 people will be permissible as well.
Little said that the state almost did not meet the criteria to move into Stage 4 this week.
Today- The Idaho State Historical Society will reopen the Old Idaho Penitentiary and the Idaho State Museum on Saturday. The reopening plan was approved by Idaho Gov. Brad Little as long as the facilities abide by the following guidelines:
• Limited on-site services and timed entry of 30 visitors per hour, or maximum of 60 visitors at any given time, inside the Idaho State Museum.
• Limited access to 50 people per hour at the Old Pen.
• Online ticketing for the State Museum and Old Pen.
Friday, June 12
6:54 p.m. - Idaho surpasses 3,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases
Based on data collected from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and health districts across Idaho, there are now 3,024 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Gem State.
Statewide, there are now 87 COVID-19-related deaths, with three new deaths reported on Friday, and 3,353 probable and confirmed cases, according to Health and Welfare. 2,776 people have recovered from the coronavirus.
See our interactive map and timeline of COVID-19 cases in Idaho, plus a breakdown of the 14-day average of new daily cases.
2:40 p.m. - Idaho releases data on COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities
On Friday, June 5, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare released data on outbreaks of the coronavirus in long-term care facilities in Idaho.
The state reported that there are 25 outbreaks of COVID-19 in facilities across Idaho. Fifteen of those outbreaks have ended, and ten of those had only one resident or staff member test positive for the coronavirus. The Department of Health and Welfare reported that there are 289 total cases from the outbreaks, as of June 5.
To view the full list of long-term facilities, click here.
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:
- Interactive map and timeline tracking Idaho COVID-19 cases
- Coronavirus resources: Testing sites, at-risk grocery hours in the Treasure Valley
- List of employers hiring during the coronavirus pandemic
- How to help southern Idaho nonprofits or get help during the coronavirus pandemic
- Closures: List of venues, sporting events, and public buildings closed or canceled due to coronavirus concerns
- What will Idaho Schools look like in the fall?