Moving into Stage 2? If Idaho does, the mayor says Boise will too

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The City of Boise now says it plans to follow the State of Idaho's phased reopening plans, unless local data suggests otherwise.

Mayor Lauren McLean's comments Tuesday appear to clarify and modify earlier guidance, which suggested that the city would not necessarily follow the state's timeline when moving ahead from phase to phase.

The City now says it plans to sync up with the state; meaning if Gov. Brad Little decides Friday to advance the state into Stage 2 on May 16, Boise would follow suit. This would mean businesses like dine-in restaurants, salons, and gyms would all be allowed to reopen on that same schedule. Previously, McLean said she intended for businesses like salons and barbershops to reopen on June 1.

"We are waiting for the data parameters to be received and reviewed by the state of Idaho," McLean said Tuesday. "If they say it’s time to move to Phase 2, then we fully intend to [do the same] by amending our order. But the virus is the thing that’s ultimately deciding the date.”

A decision at the city level would come following the governor's decision, which is set to be laid out in a press conference on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

"It is my sincere hope that we can progress as proposed by the governor's office," McLean said. "But we won’t have certainty until the governor and Central District Health have looked at that information and let us know.”

The mayor reiterated in a city council meeting that Boise would not be taking steps to reopen businesses any sooner than the state. She also said that the city will mandate certain protocols for businesses and close-contact services that the state may only consider suggestions. More information on close-contact protocols can be found here.

"It is my sincere hope that we can progress as proposed by the Governor's office," McLean said.

If the city progress into Stage 2, the library would reopen on a limited, appointment-only basis. Data strategists also say the Boise Depot would be allowed to partially reopen, along with some city parks and golf courses (with single-rider cart rentals).

City leaders hope to have the specifics of their plan finalized sometime Wednesday (again, for if the state and city decide to move ahead to Stage 2).