Key Facts:
- There have been 372 coronavirus cases and 22 deaths in Spokane County. There are 10 people currently hospitalized.
- There have been 66 cases in North Idaho, 62 in Kootenai County and four in Bonner County. No deaths in North Idaho have been reported.
- TOTAL: 814 deaths and 14,327 overall cases in Washington.
- TOTAL: 2,015 confirmed cases and 63 deaths in Idaho.
- Idaho begins stage one of reopening the state Friday.
- Governor Jay Inslee is expected to speak on Friday to announce plans for gradually reopening the state of Washington.
Friday, May 1
Washington stay-at-home order extended to May 31
Gov. Jay Inslee extended Washington state’s stay-at-home order to May 31, although some restrictions could be lifted mid-May.
“We are turning the dial,” Inslee said.
Smaller counties who are not hit hard by COVID-19 can apply for variance with the state Department of Health.
Inslee rolled out four phases to Washington’s re-opening plan. He said each phase will last for at least three weeks before moving onto the next.
Phase one is where we are now with modifications laid out last week, including allowing low-risk construction, fishing, hunting and park access. By mid-May, retail curbside pickup, auto sales, and car washes could resume with restrictions. Drive-in spiritual services would be allowed with one car per household.
Phase two would allow more outdoor recreation, such as camping, and small group gatherings of five people or less. Barber shops and salons could reopen along with restaurants at 50% capacity and tables of five people or less.
Phase three would expand group sizes to 50 people or less. Restaurants could move to 75% capacity and bars to 25%. Gyms and movie theaters could reopen at 50% capacity. Libraries, museums and government buildings could also reopen.
Phase four would allow gatherings of more than 50 people with social distancing.
Idaho begins stage one of reopening the state
Idaho begins stage one of it's reopening plan Friday.
Under the Stage One order, which replaces the governor's stay-at-home order signed March 25, most retail-type businesses will be allowed to reopen as long as they follow sanitation and social distancing rules. Daycares, churches, and youth activities will also be allowed to open.
Vulnerable Idahoans and those with health conditions that could make them more susceptible to a severe case of COVID-19 are encouraged to continue staying home as much as possible, and everyone in the state is asked to avoid gatherings and minimize any non-essential travel.
People coming into Idaho from other states will still be required to quarantine for 14 days under this stage.
Over 1 million recovered from the coronavirus worldwide
The number of confirmed U.S. cases of COVID-19 has reached nearly 1,070,000 as of 6:30 a.m. ET Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 63,000 deaths and nearly 154,000 recoveries. 6.2 million tests have been conducted.
Worldwide, more than 1 million people have recovered among 3.2 million confirmed cases. There have been 233,000 confirmed killed as a result of COVID-19.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.