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ORDER GAME PHOTOS
On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Welfare, along with Idaho Governor Brad Little, officially announced that the state is moving from Stage 3 to Stage 4 of the Idaho Rebounds Plan.
Stage 4 is the final stage of Gov. Little's Idaho Rebounds Plan, originally implemented during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. By officially entering Stage 4, the state of Idaho is the closest it's been to returning to normal, pre-pandemic status.
In a press release issued by DHW Communications, Gov. Little stated, "Thanks to the actions of Idahoans in protecting their neighbors and getting the COVID-19 vaccine, Idaho's schools and businesses have stayed open longer than almost every other state and we have prevented a crisis in our health care system. The move to Stage 4 signals to Idahoans that we have been open, and we will stay open, and we must keep up the good work."
DHW Director Dave Jeppesen added, "Our overall numbers are very encouraging, and we are confident about our decision to move the state to Stage 4. We're currently seeing some of the best numbers we have seen since last summer. We think the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the main reasons for that, and we want to encourage people who haven't yet gotten the vaccine to consider choosing to get the vaccine to allow things to continue to improve."
Among the key Stage 4 Guidelines are:
There are no more recommended gathering size limitations, but recommended guidance on how to gather safely is available and recommended.
Face coverings are recommended when physical distancing is difficult per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDD) for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Face coverings continue to be required for people who are visiting or working in a long-term care facility, to protect vulnerable residents.
Everyone, including businesses, should still follow physical distancing and sanitation recommendations.
These changes have been announced right as the Idaho High School Activities Association prepares for it's spring sports championship events. IdahoSports.com will provide updates on IHSAA attendance policies and restrictions as they become available.
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