Boise Mayor Mclean Releases Stage 4 Public Health Order

Press release from the City of Boise:

June 11, 2020

Boise, thanks for your patience and your actions you’ve taken to safeguard our entire community. I’m deeply grateful for all of you who have taken seriously the real threat to our community and the measures in place to protect every Boisean. I know it’s been hard. But we are continuing our road to recovery and I thank each of you. Together, we will all get through this.

Governor Little announced today that the State of Idaho will move to Stage Four in his Idaho Rebounds plan based on data on the spread of the virus, healthcare capacity and our public health system’s ability to test, trace and isolate. I’m profoundly appreciative to our state, county and city partners’ collaboration and applaud the community’s efforts to protect all our residents.

The health and safety of our community is my top priority as we focus on economic recovery to create a more resilient city for everyone. Along with Central District Health, I must emphasize the need for great caution as we continue to slow the spread of this virus. As we are gradually and carefully getting back to our lives, as we reopen our businesses, we must be careful not to undo the progress we have made. Please practice good sense, keep a six-foot distance from those not in your immediate family and wear face coverings in public to keep our community safe and healthy.

Based on the state’s orders, and in consultation with Central District Health, we will adopt the Stage Four plan with some additional safety measures. I signed public health orders today that will:

• Require businesses to follow the business safety protocols as outlined by the state.
• Provide for additional protection at our airport, allowing only travelers and essential workers and assistance aides be allowed in public areas.
• Require sanitation and physical distancing of six feet unless protocols have been issued by the state and require sanitation requirements.
• Boise will continue to limit group gatherings to 250 people or fewer.
• Make additional provisions to accommodate public meetings.

Regular updates on all services and facilities can be found at the City of Boise’s COVID-19 Resource page or by calling 208-608-7000.

City Department Updates for Stage 4

Opening dates are based on current public health conditions and are subject to change depending on COVID-19 activity.

Facilities

Visitors to City of Boise facilities will be asked to practice physical distancing wherever possible and to wear face coverings. We strongly encourage residents to continue to use remote services where available and to schedule appointments.

• City Hall will reopen to the public on Monday, June 22 and will be open regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• City Hall West will reopen to the public starting the week of June 22. Hours for Boise Police are Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. or by appointment. Hours for Boise Fire are Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. or by appointment.

City Departments

Arts & History

• The James Castle House will open by appointment only beginning July 24.

Boise Public Library

• All Boise Public Library locations will reopen the week of July 6 with a limit on the number of patrons allowed inside at any given time and strict safety protocols.
• Computer access appointments available at all library locations beginning July 6.
• Limited programming will resume in July, with most in-person programming offered at outdoor locations.

Department of Finance and Administration

• In-person services fully resume, including application and processing of business licenses

Planning and Development Services

• Permitting and Plans Examination appointments available at City Hall. Virtual appointments are strongly encouraged.

Public Works

• Utility Billing Services in-person staff available at City Hall.

Boise Parks and Recreation

• Outdoor basketball and volleyball courts reopen on June 13.
• Zoo Boise reopens on June 22 with a limited number of visitors allowed at a time and safety protocols in place. Zoo Camps resume the week of July 13.
• Splash Pads at Borah and Comba parks and at Grove Plaza reopen on June 13.
• Volunteer programs restart effective June 13.
• Fort Boise Community Center workout facility reopens with limited hours and safety protocols in place on June 22.
• Golf lessons resume at Quail Hollow and Warm Springs beginning June 22.
• Tennis lessons resume beginning June 22.
• Reservations accepted for the Boise Depot for gatherings that adhere to group size limits, starting on June 13.
• Field rentals for league play and tournaments resume on July 10.
• Boise Urban Garden School and Foothills Learning Center outdoor programming resumes on July 13.
• Idaho IceWorld classes resume July 20. Ice rentals become available beginning July 10.
• Softball adult leagues resume the week of June 22.
• Softball tournaments resume the week of July 10.
• AdVenture Recreation Sports resume the week of July 13.
• Fort Boise Community Center visual art classes and programming resume the week of July 13.
• Lifetime and Leisure classes and programming resume the week of August 24.
• Performing arts classes and programming resume the week of August 24.

This press release was produced by the City of Boise. The views expressed here are the author’s own.