Mayor McLean Announces Temporary Policy Changes for City Employees in Light of COVID-19

March 12, 2020

MAYOR LAUREN MCLEAN

Our employees and residents are at the forefront of my mind while planning with our county and state partners for any potential Coronavirus outbreak in our community. For this reason, I am announcing temporary policy changes at the City of Boise. This situation is fluid, and when we do choose to take action, it’s with the advice of experts and in consultation with other officials in our community.

To ensure the health and safety of our employees, the City of Boise is suspending all out of state business travel through April 10, 2020. We are also asking that no travel arrangements beyond April 10 be made before April 10, as we will continually reevaluate this travel suspension beyond that date. Departments are being asked to attempt to be reimbursed for any prepaid costs associated with all pending out-of-state travel. I am also encouraging employees to reevaluate their personal travel plans.

The City of Boise is also postponing employee gatherings greater than 250 people, through April 10, and will consider the postponement of other events sponsored and staffed by the City of Boise as the need arises.

I am urging members of our community to take extra precautions as well. I am asking organizations to consider postponing any of their events greater than 250 people, and thanks to those already committed to doing so.

We’re learning that with a virus like this, and the pandemic we now face, that slowing the rate of spread is important. It provides health professionals and governments time to prepare, will spread out the impact on hospitals, and provide more time for a vaccination to be developed, protecting those at most risk in our communities.

It is important for our community to come together to protect our most vulnerable populations. While various residents may not be sick or experiencing symptoms, there is the chance for them to carry the virus to those most at risk.

These measures are taken in an abundance of caution, and I ask that organizations be willing to do their part in helping slow the spread, when and if the virus is detected in our community. There are no known cases at this time, and we continue to work closely with city, county and state agencies in our preparations and actions taken.

Contact: Mayor's Office Media Relations

(208) 972-8520 | info@cityofboise.org

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