Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced that, starting Friday, new COVID policies will be enacted for city-permitted events and those held in city-owned facilities.
Masks will be required for all indoor events, only extending to outdoor events when six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. For events larger than 250 people, either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test will be required for attendance. According to the guidelines, masks rules will continue to apply towards these larger events regardless of vaccination status.
Events requiring a city of Boise permit must also provide a COVID-19 plan and have “mask ambassadors” on site, though no explanation on their role was given by McLean.
These requirements will not be enforced for events not directly permitted by the city or held in city-owned facilities, such as Boise State University football games.
The new policies show less restrictive measures than Boise’s first mask mandate, which was lifted in May of 2020. However, the mayor acknowledged that stricter protocols might become necessary as case numbers continue to spike.
“[We] really believe that the most effective tool that we can take at this moment is on events,” McLean said in a virtual press conference. “We will make additional decisions if we must.”
A total of 1,634 COVID-19 cases were reported in Idaho for Tuesday, Sept. 14 with 13 deaths. According to McLean, 65% of Boise residents so far have been vaccinated.
McLean continues to encourage Boise residents to get vaccinated and wear their masks.
Photo by Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter
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