STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Hailey Mayor has called on the owners of non-essential businesses to shut down and suspend travel as the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb in Blaine and Ada counties.

On Monday she told business owners:

• If a business element is not essential, shut it down.
• If it is only mildly essential, consider shutting it down.
• If it is necessary for public health, safety, sanitization or communication, tailor your business practice to fully protect your employees and the public.
• If your employees or subcontractors are traveling into and out of Blaine County, consider suspending activities that require such travel.

The orders are among those contained in the isolation order imposed on Blaine County by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Our community is facing unprecedented times,” she said, “We have dealt with fire and flood, but this COVID-19 health pandemic offers challenges far beyond any we have experienced,” she said. Employers need to reduce the risk to co-workers and their families.”

Burke noted that COVID-19 disease has now spread to Ada County and Cassia County from areas with community spread. At least four of the cases confirmed in Ada County were traced to travel within Blaine County.

“That must stop immediately,” Burke said. The Blaine County Isolation Order prohibits non-essential travel to and from Blaine County.”

The City of Twin Falls issued a disaster declaration on Monday, which will allow the city to tap into state and federal funds to fight the disease.

And Boise Mayor Lauren McLean issued a social distancing order requiring events or businesses to limit groups of people to less than 10. Everyone must also stay at least six feet apart.

Grocery stores, social services, medical centers and government agencies are exempt.