STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Ada County retreated to Stage Three of the governor’s reopening plan this week following a spike in the number of new coronavirus cases.

Beginning today all bars must close in Boise and Meridian. A cluster of cases linked to several bars over the past week contributed to significant increases in cases, said a health official for the Central District Health.

The county saw nearly 300 new cases last week—most of them among those between the ages of 18 and 29.

Gatherings of more than 50 people will also be prohibited in the county and visitations to care facilities, jails and prisons will be suspended. Large venues will be closed, but movie theaters can remain open.

Boise State University temporarily closed it facilities and its football workouts after eight individuals there tested positive.

Health officials considered requiring face masks in the county but decided to ask for voluntary compliance, instead.

To date, 1,256 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Ada County—90 of those reported on Monday alone. While hospital capacity remains okay, emergency room visits are increasing.

All other parts of the state, including the Sun Valley area, will be allowed to remain in Stage Four of the reopening. Under Stage Four, nearly all types of businesses are allowed to be open.

Still, the state saw its second highest number of new cases in a single day--164. The highest is 227 on April 2.