Idaho, Wyoming loosen COVID-19 travel restrictions

May 15, 2020, 5:59 PM | Updated: 5:59 pm

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Former Producer/Reporter

BOISE — People who are thinking about vacationing in Idaho or Wyoming will not have to deal with strong COVID-19 travel restrictions like a 14-day self-quarantine.

Idaho Governor Brad Little (R) announced looser travel restrictions starting Saturday. Travelers will no longer be required to go into quarantine when headed to the Gem State. But self-quarantine is strongly recommended.

Southeastern Idaho Public Health District Director Maggie Mann hopes people will reschedule their vacations for later in the year. She says this will help stop the spread of COVID-19. She also recommends self-quarantine when it’s possible.

“That’s just because we have, especially in southeastern Idaho, fairly low incidence of the disease and we would like to be able to maintain that,” Mann said.

However, Idaho lawmakers signaled that the looser rules will be more practical.

COVID-19 travel restrictions, in some instances, are ignored

“People are coming across state lines on the interstate on a regular basis. They’re flying in and out, and so the practical application, I think, of requiring someone to isolate at home on that scale just had some challenges,” Mann says.

Wyoming had also required travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days in the state, but the state ditched that rule last week because many people were breaking it.

Another popular place for Utahns to go in the summer is Arizona. While that state has loosened its COVID-19 restrictions for residents, it’s asking vacationers to reschedule their trips for later in the year, if possible.

COVID-19 travel restrictions easing at SLC Int’l Airport

Not much has changed at the Salt Lake City International Airport. This, despite most of Utah going from an “orange” to a “yellow” COVID-19 risk level, said spokeswoman Nancy Volmer.

“The Utah Department of Transportation was doing some surveying of passengers once they arrived, but that is no longer taking place. It’s really up to the passenger to make sure that if they feel like they have been exposed [to COVID-19] that they self-quarantine,” Volmer says.

However, she also reminds people to take their mask to the airport since many airlines now require passengers to wear one.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
Get a flu shot.