On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 491 new cases and 6 new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 163,656 known cases and 1,741 deaths.

Governor Brad Little announced today that the state will advance from Idaho Rebounds Stage 2 to Stage 3, citing declining hospitalizations and case counts. Under that new health order, the limit on group sizes is increased from 10 people to 50 people.

Those requirements still do not apply to religious or political gatherings, and attendance at youth sporting events is still under the purview of the State Board of Education.

Officials emphasized that good hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing are still priorities to help slow the spread of the virus as the slow rollout of vaccines continues.

“This is not the time to throw the masks away and go back to normal," state epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said. "We're not there yet."