There is confusion about the benefits of wearing a mask to protect yourself against the new coronavirus. Here’s how to do it correctly. The | BY DAVID CARACCIO
BOISE (Idaho statesman) – Boise Mayor Lauren McLean signed a public health emergency order Thursday that requires her to cover her face in the city of Boise due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The order is effective Saturday at 12:01 am, according to a statement released by the mayor’s office. Masks, bandanas, or other coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth will be required in all indoor and outdoor public places. There will be some exceptions, for children under 5, lifeguards on duty and those with health problems.
Another exception is for people who eat or drink at restaurant tables, as long as they are at least 6 feet away from other people who are not in the same home.
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The indoor-outdoor order means residents must wear face covers in businesses and grocery stores and when walking on city sidewalks or in parks. Karen Boe, communications director for the mayor’s office, told the statesman that if you are outside and in a place where you could meet others within 6 feet of you, then you need to cover your face.
“Our goal is to allow our businesses to stay open so we don’t experience another spike in infections, leading us to go back further in the Idaho Rebounds stages, rather than slowly and carefully reopening so our economy can recover,” he said. McLean in his ad
According to the order, Boise city officials “will make efforts to educate individuals and businesses to achieve compliance.” But anyone who knows or voluntarily violates the provisions of the order could be subject to a lesser charge and a fine. Under Idaho law, a misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in a county jail or a $ 1,000 fine, or both.
“We are seeing overwhelming demand for COVID-19 testing in our clinics, and positivity rates are eight times higher than in April. We are very concerned about how quickly this virus is spreading through the community, ”said Dr. David Peterman, CEO of the Primary Medical Health Group, in a press release. “Wearing masks has proven to be the most effective way to stop the spread.”
“The use of masks has proven to be very successful in stopping the spread of the coronavirus if everyone is on board. It is an incredibly simple, cheap and effective intervention, ”said Elaine Clegg, president of the Boise City Council, in the same statement. “It works for individuals, but most importantly for communities; wear a mask for the people you want to protect, wear a mask for the companies you want to see open. Wearing a mask will give you freedom to go to more places sooner. Together we can keep ourselves and our economy healthy. “
McLean’s decision came a week after Ada County was forced to return to Stage 3 reopening, as ordered by Central District Health. The high number of cases in the county, which increased in part due to the spread among young adults in bars, has put it in danger of falling back into Stage 2. Bars are now closed, but restaurants, breweries and wineries may still be open, as long as there are measures of social distancing and other measures.
Ada County reported 107 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Wednesday. That marked the third consecutive day that Central District Health reported at least 100 new cases among its four counties. The district reported 109 Wednesdays, 102 Tuesdays, and a whopping 226 Mondays (which also included some Sunday cases as the district doesn’t update on Sundays).
Get Free Masks on Friday – Residents who don’t already have face masks can pick up the disposables at the Boise City Mask Giveaway from 11 am to 1 pm Friday at two locations: Boise Depot, 2603 W. Eastover Terrace and City West Hall, 333 N. Mark Stall Place.
Only the shuttle service is available, and city employees will bring the masks to residents’ cars. There is a limit of six per household.
Other Idaho cities require masks: Moscow became the first Idaho city to require the use of face masks in public, and it did so on Tuesday. Hailey, McCall and Driggs followed this week with orders demanding masks.
Masks Required in County Buildings: Ada County required Wednesday that people wear a mask at all times while visiting or working on county buildings.
