Fremont, Madison County order for mandatory face coverings and other restrictions
ST. ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Eastern Idaho Public Health's Board of Health passed orders of restriction for both Fremont and Madison Counties Monday morning.
You can view Fremont County's order HERE.
You can view Madison County's order HERE.
The order's went into effect immediately.
The orders state, “Every person is required to wear a face covering that completely covers the person’s nose and mouth when the person is in a public place and other non-household members are present and physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. A public place shall mean any place, indoor or outdoor, that is open to all members of the public without
specific invitation, including but not necessarily limited to retail business establishments, government offices, medical, educational, arts and recreational institutions, outdoor public areas, including but not limited to public parks, trails, streets, sidewalks, lines for entry, exit, or service.”
The orders also provides a list of exemptions from wearing a face covering. EIPH asks people do not abuse the exemptions and that people, who legitimately qualify for an exemption, are not disrespected or harassed for not wearing one.
In regards to social gathering and events, the orders state, “Social gatherings and events, both public and private, are restricted to a maximum occupancy in the venue that provides for approximately 28 square feet per person (area of a 3-foot radius) based on the area patrons and gathering/event staff, participants, and/or performers will be situated for the gathering/event. It is required that physical distancing of at least 6 feet be maintained between non-household members while seated/positioned at the gathering/event. Gathering/event organizers must
ensure physical distancing be maintained at ticket booths, entrances, exits, restrooms, concessions, or any other locations within the venue.”
Fremont and Madison are now in the Moderate Risk Category along with Bonneville, Jefferson and Custer Counties.
This is not the first time Fremont County has been in the Moderate Risk (Yellow) Level. They were elevated there on August 10 and remained there until August 27 when the BOH declared they had hit the metric (seven consecutive days with COVID-19 active case rate below 10/10,000 population) to return to the Minimal Risk (Green) Level. This is the first time Madison County has elevated to the Moderate Risk (Yellow) Level.
Clark, Lemhi, and Teton Counties are currently in the Minimal Risk (Green) Level.
COVID-19 cases in Madison County have been increasing for the past several weeks and its first community member passed away from the virus last week.
"I want people to realize that the influx of active cases wasn't because of the return of BYU-Idaho students, but we do need to take them into account," Brent Mendenhall said during the meeting.
Fremont County officials say the county is under a mandatory mask order, aimed at decreasing spread of COVID-19.
Under the order, every person is required to wear a face-covering that completely covers the person’s nose and mouth when a person is in a public place, other non-household members are present, and physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.
At the Fremont County Courthouse, screenings will take place at the west door. Other entrances to the building are closed.
