KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — Businesses in Idaho are reopening and churches are gathering again under Gov. Brad Little's four-stage reopening plan.
Stage 2 of Gov. Brad Little's reopening plan will begin on Saturday, May 16. It allows restaurants, hair and nail salons, and gyms to reopen in Idaho, as long as they can safely meet protocols
Under stages one and two of the state's reopening plan, people traveling to Idaho from another state are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Those who will be in the state for less than 14 days must self-quarantine for their entire visit.
This does not apply to people traveling to Idaho to perform an essential service or people who live in one state and travel to another for essential services.
The self-quarantine rule means that Washington residents are not allowed to travel to Idaho for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
The quarantine rule will be discontinued for people entering Idaho during Stage 3 of the governor's order, which is set to run from May 30 to June 12.
During this stage, gatherings of ten to 50 people would be allowed, as long as precautionary measures are observed. Vulnerable Idahoans can resume public interactions, but should continue to practice physical distancing, avoiding social situations where that is not possible.
Gov. Little announced on Thursday that bars can also reopen during Stage 3.
Stage 4 is estimated to begin June 13 and would see the reopening of theaters and other venues, as well as gatherings of more than 50 people, with precautions in place. Work-from-home recommendations would also be lifted at that point, and visits to correctional facilities and senior living centers could resume.
Guidelines for restaurants, salons and gyms during Stage 2 can be found below.
Restaurants
The state is asking that restaurants maintain six feet of physical distance between employees and patrons. That could mean limiting occupancy to 50% of seating capacity and limiting table to groups of six.
Restaurants are also asked to avoid using pre-set tableware. All employees are also urged to wear cloth face coverings and gloves.
Restaurant dining rooms can open once their plans have been submitted to local public health districts. It's worth noting that the plans do not have to be approved before the restaurant opens.
Hair and nail salons
Along with other "close contact services," hair and nail salons will also be allowed to open in stage two. That includes places like tattoo and massage parlors.
The state is recommending these businesses keep work stations six feet apart and provide services by appointment only.
They are also being told to consider asking clients about any symptoms they may be experiencing before each visit.
Like restaurants, close contact services are urged to limit the number of people inside and require employees to wear face coverings and gloves.
Gyms
Social distancing is a big recommendation for gyms as well. The state is asking that all gyms keep exercise equipment at least six feet apart, and limit the number of people inside the building.
All exercise equipment should be thoroughly disinfected after each use.
Gyms are also encouraged to ensure there is optimal ventilation inside and to consider having some activities, such as yoga classes, outside.