Idaho not enforcing stay-home order for nonessential businesses

BOISE — Last month’s stay-home order from Gov. Brad Little temporarily closed the doors of businesses across the state and limited the operations of others, but there is little enforcement.

Because the order came from the state, local governments and police departments are not responsible for investigating violations of the order of either individuals or businesses. Any concerns about violations must be reported to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s COVID-19 hotline, but that doesn’t guarantee any action will be taken.

DHW spokeswoman Niki Forbing-Orr said the agency is focused on responding and tracking COVID-19 alongside the health districts and does not have the resources to investigate complaints.

“There’s no public health police that are going to go around,” Forbing-Orr said. “It’s really on the individuals and the businesses themselves to ensure they’re adhering to the social distancing guidelines. If people have concerns, they don’t have to use that business.”

Read more: https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-not-enforcing-stay-home-order-for-nonessential-businesses/article_75723d72-baed-5f99-90cc-7948d98d4752.html