FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COVID-19 vaccine appointments begin opening for residents 65 years and older in Central District Health, Southwest District Health jurisdictions

Vaccine providers may use prioritization efforts to serve those more vulnerable, first

Idaho’s next Subgroup eligible for COVID-19 vaccine will start Monday, February 1, and includes adults 65 years of age and older. Enrolled vaccine providers across Central District Health (CDH) and Southwest District Health’s (SWDH) combined 10 counties are beginning to accept appointments given Governor Little’s announcement, today, announcing movement to Subgroup 2.2 of the state’s prioritization plan.

“What we know is this is a large and motivated group of residents. They are eager, and we are equally interested in seeing them gain protection from this vaccine. But we want to set realistic expectations and remind our residents who are 65 and older that this will be a multi-week process, likely longer, given the estimated 80,000 people in CDH’s jurisdiction and approximately 6,000-7,000 vaccines a week coming into our area,” said Russ Duke, District Director for Central District Health. CDH’s district includes Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley Counties.

In SWDH’s six-county region of Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties, an estimated 45,000 people qualify for vaccine in Subgroup 2.2. The district is receiving around 3,000 vaccines a week for the counties it serves.

Public health encourages focus on those with serious health conditions, first

Because of the limited vaccine doses and no significant increase anticipated, the two neighboring health districts are encouraging and supporting vaccine providers in using a priority system to focus on those most vulnerable in the early part of serving this Subgroup. Prioritization may include screenings to determine if a person has serious health conditions that put them at higher risk for severe impacts from COVID-19. Other vaccine providers may initially focus on the upper age segment of the 65 and older population, such as those in the 80-plus age group.

“The data clearly show that our 65 and older populations have the highest rate of hospitalization and death, and often times with pre-existing conditions. While age alone puts us at higher risk, other health conditions increase the potential for negative outcomes if a person becomes infected. Allowing community members at an elevated risk to go first will begin to offer some of our most vulnerable residents a chance at protection, just a bit sooner,” said Nikki Zogg, District Director for Southwest District Health.

Where to get vaccinated

Currently, weekly vaccine allotments are going to major health systems and pharmacies in CDH and SWDH regions. Both health districts maintain a list of enrolled vaccine providers with instructions on how to make an appointment. This information can be found on the districts’ websites (CDH | SWDH). For those without internet access, health district information call centers are a good resource (see More Information section below). “If you know someone – a neighbor or loved one who may need help with making an appointment or getting to an appointment, please help make this a priority for them right now and connect them to vaccine through the lists of providers in our regions,” said Zogg.

Although the two health districts share county borders, residents are strongly encouraged to seek vaccine within the county they live in. Vaccine doses are allotted by health districts and must remain and be offered within that district.

Public health emphasizes the importance of honoring your vaccine appointment and asks that people not double-book appointments with multiple providers. Limited doses and prep work that must go into a vaccine before an appointment, places that dose at risk of being wasted, and takes away another person’s chance to be vaccinated when people hold appointment times and do not show up.

Previous Groups still eligible

Public health reminds people that those within Group 1 and Subgroup 2.1 are still eligible for a vaccine and are encouraged to seek an appointment. To view a list of who is eligible in these Groups, visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

How vaccine gets to our communities

Each week, typically Wednesday or Thursday, local public health districts receive the number of vaccine doses their district has been allotted for the upcoming week by state public health. Districts work with enrolled vaccine providers throughout the counties they serve to determine need, and begin deciding who will get how many doses. Considerations must also include storage capacity and can be impacted by the way vaccines are packaged and shipped by the company (e.g. Pfizer vaccine ships in trays of 975 that cannot be broken up between providers.)

In CDH’s jurisdiction, enrolled providers receive direct shipments of vaccine to their facilities; in SWDH’s jurisdiction, some vaccine is shipped directly to providers, and some is received by the health district and distributed per a plan. Enrolled providers work through their scheduling platforms to schedule appointments with eligible groups. Currently in Idaho, vaccines are not transferred between health districts; doses stay within the health district they are assigned to.

More Information

Central District Health serves Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley Counties

• Call Center: 208-321-2222 – Open M-F, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Vaccine webpage: idaho.gov/covid-vaccine
• Sign up for vaccine updates: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/8DO2cZ9/vaccine
• Enrolled vaccine provider list: https://www.cdh.idaho.gov/pdfs/cd/Coronavirus/Resource%20Docs/vaccine/enrolled-COVID19-vaccine-providers.pdf

Southwest District Health serves Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties

• Call Center: 208-455-5411 – Open M-F, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Vaccine web page: idaho.gov/covid19/#Vaccine
• Enrolled vaccine provider list:

https://swdh.id.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/COVID-19-Vaccine-Location-R3-List-01262021.pdf

Media Contacts:

Central District Health: Christine Myron, 208-871-1712 | cmyron@cdh.idaho.gov
Southwest District Health: Ashley Anderson, 208-455-5413 | ashley.anderson@phd3.idaho.gov

COVID-19 vaccine appointments begin opening for residents 65 years and older in Central District Health, Southwest District Health jurisdictions

Vaccine providers may use prioritization efforts to serve those
more vulnerable, first

Idaho’s next Subgroup eligible for COVID-19 vaccine will start Monday, February 1, and includes adults 65 years of age and older. Enrolled vaccine providers across Central District Health (CDH) and Southwest District Health’s (SWDH) combined 10 counties are beginning to accept appointments given Governor Little’s announcement, today, announcing movement to Subgroup 2.2 of the state’s prioritization plan.

“What we know is this is a large and motivated group of residents. They are eager, and we are equally interested in seeing them gain protection from this vaccine. But we want to set realistic expectations and remind our residents who are 65 and older that this will be a multi-week process, likely longer, given the estimated 80,000 people in CDH’s jurisdiction and approximately 6,000-7,000 vaccines a week coming into our area,” said Russ Duke, District Director for Central District Health. CDH’s district includes Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley Counties.

In SWDH’s six-county region of Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties, an estimated 45,000 people qualify for vaccine in Subgroup 2.2. The district is receiving around 3,000 vaccines a week for the counties it serves.

Public health encourages focus on those with serious health conditions, first

Because of the limited vaccine doses and no significant increase anticipated, the two neighboring health districts are encouraging and supporting vaccine providers in using a priority system to focus on those most vulnerable in the early part of serving this Subgroup. Prioritization may include screenings to determine if a person has serious health conditions that put them at higher risk for severe impacts from COVID-19. Other vaccine providers may initially focus on the upper age segment of the 65 and older population, such as those in the 80-plus age group.

“The data clearly show that our 65 and older populations have the highest rate of hospitalization and death, and often times with pre-existing conditions. While age alone puts us at higher risk, other health conditions increase the potential for negative outcomes if a person becomes infected. Allowing community members at an elevated risk to go first will begin to offer some of our most vulnerable residents a chance at protection, just a bit sooner,” said Nikki Zogg, District Director for Southwest District Health.

Where to get vaccinated

Currently, weekly vaccine allotments are going to major health systems and pharmacies in CDH and SWDH regions. Both health districts maintain a list of enrolled vaccine providers with instructions on how to make an appointment. This information can be found on the districts’ websites (CDH | SWDH). For those without internet access, health district information call centers are a good resource (see More Information section below). “If you know someone – a neighbor or loved one who may need help with making an appointment or getting to an appointment, please help make this a priority for them right now and connect them to vaccine through the lists of providers in our regions,” said Zogg.

Although the two health districts share county borders, residents are strongly encouraged to seek vaccine within the county they live in. Vaccine doses are allotted by health districts and must remain and be offered within that district.

Public health emphasizes the importance of honoring your vaccine appointment and asks that people not double-book appointments with multiple providers. Limited doses and prep work that must go into a vaccine before an appointment, places that dose at risk of being wasted, and takes away another person’s chance to be vaccinated when people hold appointment times and do not show up.

Previous Groups still eligible

Public health reminds people that those within Group 1 and Subgroup 2.1 are still eligible for a vaccine and are encouraged to seek an appointment. To view a list of who is eligible in these Groups, visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

How vaccine gets to our communities

Each week, typically Wednesday or Thursday, local public health districts receive the number of vaccine doses their district has been allotted for the upcoming week by state public health. Districts work with enrolled vaccine providers throughout the counties they serve to determine need, and begin deciding who will get how many doses. Considerations must also include storage capacity and can be impacted by the way vaccines are packaged and shipped by the company (e.g. Pfizer vaccine ships in trays of 975 that cannot be broken up between providers.)

In CDH’s jurisdiction, enrolled providers receive direct shipments of vaccine to their facilities; in SWDH’s jurisdiction, some vaccine is shipped directly to providers, and some is received by the health district and distributed per a plan. Enrolled providers work through their scheduling platforms to schedule appointments with eligible groups. Currently in Idaho, vaccines are not transferred between health districts; doses stay within the health district they are assigned to.

More Information

Central District Health serves Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley Counties

• Call Center: 208-321-2222 – Open M-F, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Vaccine webpage: idaho.gov/covid-vaccine
• Sign up for vaccine updates: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/8DO2cZ9/vaccine
• Enrolled vaccine provider list: https://www.cdh.idaho.gov/pdfs/cd/Coronavirus/Resource%20Docs/vaccine/enrolled-COVID19-vaccine-providers.pdf

Southwest District Health serves Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties

• Call Center: 208-455-5411 – Open M-F, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Vaccine web page: idaho.gov/covid19/#Vaccine
• Enrolled vaccine provider list:

https://swdh.id.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/COVID-19-Vaccine-Location-R3-List-01262021.pdf

###

Media Contacts:

Central District Health: Christine Myron, 208-871-1712 | cmyron@cdh.idaho.gov
Southwest District Health: Ashley Anderson, 208-455-5413 | ashley.anderson@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest District Health COVID-19 notification sign-up form and vaccination site locator publicly available

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Southwest District Health’s (SWDH) COVID-19 hotline has received many questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and its availability. SWDH has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine webpage to keep SWDH communities updated with current COVID-19 vaccine information. In an effort to make more information about vaccination sites available within SWDH’s jurisdiction of Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties, a Region 3 Vaccination Sites webpage featuring a downloadable list and interactive map of currently enrolled vaccine providers is available to the public. This list and map of enrolled COVID-19 vaccine providers will continue to be updated.

In addition to the informational resources, SWDH has developed an online notification sign-up form that informs the community when the vaccine is available to their priority group. The online form is located on SWDH’s website. Individuals may access this form and submit their information to SWDH, at that time individuals are added to a notification list for their qualifying priority group. This form and the notification process does not sign the participant up to receive or reserve a vaccine but serves as a mechanism to notify participants about options when the vaccine is available for their priority group.

For residents of Region 3 who use the new online form, your information will be collected electronically, then you will be notified via e-mail or phone when your priority group is eligible for vaccine. Please continue to follow SWDH on social media and regularly check the State of Idaho’s coronavirus website for COVID-19 vaccine updates. This is a call to action for the communities of Southwest Idaho, to those that have friends, neighbors, or loved ones that are not able to access COVID-19 vaccine online resources, we strongly encourage our residents to stay informed and share vaccine updates with one another. Each vaccine that is administered is a step toward returning to pre-pandemic life as we know it. Public health needs the help of our communities to keep one another informed of current and correct vaccine information, information such as safety, efficacy, and availability.

SWDH continues to work diligently to build capacity within communities to distribute and administer available COVID-19 vaccines. SWDH is not delaying the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine. While interest in vaccine is high, weekly vaccine allotments are limited at this time and will impact how quickly individuals can get vaccinated. Vaccine is being distributed to healthcare partners, including clinics and pharmacies who have enrolled to be COVID-19 vaccine providers. Vaccine is currently being offered to the population in Priority Group 1 and eligible individuals in Priority Group 2.1 as defined by Idaho’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee’s (CVAC) recommendations that have been approved by Governor Little. ​​

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, please visit: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

# # #

Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Owyhee County moves to orange COVID-19 health alert level; five counties in Southwest District Health jurisdiction remain at the red alert level

 CALDWELL, IDAHO – COVID-19 continues to spread throughout District 3 although the region may be experiencing the beginning of a downward trend with declining daily incidence and positivity rates. This is based on data available for the date range of December 27, 2020 – January 9, 2021. Owyhee County has moved to the orange COVID-19 health alert level this week. Currently, Adams, Canyon, Gem, Payette, and Washington counties, all within the jurisdiction of Public Health District 3, are at the red health alert level. As of January 12, 2021, the daily district-wide incidence rate per 10,000 population is 5.45.

Thank you to residents of District 3 for continuing to follow current recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a reminder, all six counties in the district continue to experience community spread, which puts people living in and visiting these communities at higher risk for exposure. It is the goal of Southwest District Health to work our way back to a place where we have no community spread.

The information used in determining county health alert levels is provided below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Adams County will remain in the red health alert level, with a very high incidence rate, positivity rate and a high percentage of cases resulting from community transmission. Adams County saw a daily COVID-19 incidence of 9.41 daily new cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing but remains elevated.  Many of these new cases can be traced to travel, as well as workplace and household exposure. Evidence collected through investigations during the two-week period show sustained community transmission in Adams County, as only 59.18% of cases can identify a potential exposure source. Additionally, the test positivity rate for Adams County is 41.67%, which is increasing dramatically. One sporadic, imported case of COVID-19 was reported in an Adams County school, with no evidence of transmission within the school.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Canyon County will remain in the red health alert level due to an increasing incidence rate and positivity rate as well as evidence of sustained community spread. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 5.61 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is increasing. Canyon County has a positivity rate of 16.42%, which is increasing and shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 54.02% of COVID-19 cases have reported knowing where they were exposed, which points to sustained community spread. Southwest District Health investigators are seeing cases exposed through holiday gatherings as well as in workplaces and households. Seventeen congregate living facilities are reporting cluster outbreaks. Healthcare facilities in Canyon County are postponing elective surgeries to conserve resources. Multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting sporadic, imported cases with evidence of one cluster outbreak.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Gem County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a high positivity rate and evidence of community spread. Gem County has a daily incidence rate of 4.81 daily cases per 10,000 people which is trending up slightly. The test positivity rate for Gem County is 18.63% which is increasing and shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than what our data show. Four congregate care facilities in Gem County are facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 63.37% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is trending up but still indicates community transmission. Of the individuals who could identify their exposure source, most were attributed to household exposure, workplaces, and community events. Multiple schools in Gem County are reporting sporadic, imported cases with evidence of one cluster outbreak.

OWYHEE COUNTY –  Health Alert Level: Orange

Owyhee County will move to the orange health alert level, due to a low and stable daily incidence rate and a 30% decrease in community transmission. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 3.69 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is stable. However, the test positivity rate is 18.57% which is trending down but still much higher than we would like to see. 66.00% of cases can identify an exposure source, which increased dramatically but still indicates community transmission. Southwest District Health epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks in Owyhee County primarily from out-of-town visitors, workplaces, and household exposure. Multiple schools in Owyhee County are reporting sporadic, imported cases with evidence of one cluster outbreak.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Payette County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a high positivity rate and evidence of sustained community spread. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 4.47 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is stable but still much higher than we would like to see. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 20.44%, which shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 50.00% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. Southwest District Health epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks within local workplace settings, including Idaho and Oregon workplaces, as well as travel and household exposure. Multiple schools in Payette County are reporting sporadic, imported cases with evidence of one cluster outbreak.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Washington County will remain in the red health alert level, due to an elevated daily incidence rate and an increasing positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 5.84 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. The positivity rate for Washington County is 15.79%, which is increasing and shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 55.56% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. Southwest District Health epidemiologists are seeing transmission occurring primarily through holiday gatherings, households, and workplaces. Multiple schools in Washington County are reporting sporadic, imported cases with no evidence of cluster outbreaks.
WEEKLY CASES BY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The following table represents data on confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases among students and staff attending in-person classes where investigations began between January 3, 2021 – January 9, 2021.

The following table represents data on the number of staff and students currently in quarantine and isolation on the day the data are pulled and may not account for individuals who have been released from quarantine or are just entering quarantine.

Those in quarantine have been identified as a close contact of a positive case and are being asked to stay home for 14 days to monitor for symptoms. Those in isolation are currently positive for COVID-19 and are asked to isolate away from others for a minimum of ten days from the onset of symptoms to prevent further spread of the infection.

Region 3 data are available on the Southwest District Health website at https://swdh.id.gov/covid19/. Please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ for statewide information. Questions may be directed to the SWDH COVID-19 Call Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except for observed holidays) at 208-455-5411.

# # #

Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The six-county jurisdiction of Southwest District Health remains at the red health alert level

 CALDWELL, IDAHO – COVID-19 continues to spread throughout District 3 with increased rates of community transmission, declining daily incidence rates, and increasing positivity rates. A slight decline in daily incidence rate paired with an increase in test positivity rate indicates a decreased frequency of COVID-19 testing, not cases. This is based on data available for the date range of December 20, 2020 – January 2, 2021. Currently, all six counties within the jurisdiction of Public Health District 3 are at the red health alert level. As of January 2, 2021, the daily district-wide incidence rate per 10,000 population is 4.81.

Thank you to residents of District 3 for continuing to follow current recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a reminder, all six counties in the district continue to experience community spread, which puts people living in and visiting these communities at higher risk for exposure. It is the goal of Southwest District Health to work our way back to a place where we have no community spread.

The information used in determining county health alert levels is provided below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Adams County will remain in the red health alert level, with a very high incidence rate, positivity rate and a high percentage of cases resulting from community transmission. Adams County saw a daily COVID-19 incidence of 15.46 daily new cases per 10,000 people, which remains elevated.  Many of these new cases can be traced to holiday gatherings, as well as workplace and household exposure. Evidence collected through investigations during the two-week period show sustained community transmission in Adams County, as only 67.86% of cases can identify a potential exposure source. Additionally, the test positivity rate for Adams County is 13.04%, which is increasing and still much higher than we would like to see. Primary schools in Adams County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring primarily among household members.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Canyon County will remain in the red health alert level due to a high positivity rate and evidence of sustained community spread. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 4.73 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is decreasing. However, Canyon County has a positivity rate of 15.29%, which shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 58.96% of COVID-19 cases have reported knowing where they were exposed, which points to sustained community spread. Southwest District Health investigators are seeing cases exposed through holiday gatherings as well as in workplaces and households. Eighteen congregate living facilities are reporting cluster outbreaks.  Healthcare facilities in Canyon County are postponing elective surgeries to conserve resources. Primary schools in Canyon County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring primarily among household members.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Gem County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a high positivity rate and evidence of community spread. Gem County has a daily incidence rate of 4.30 daily cases per 10,000 people and a test positivity rate of 15.45%. While the daily incidence rate for Gem County is trending down, the test positivity rate is increasing, which shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than what our data show. Three congregate care facilities in Gem County are facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 62.03% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to community transmission. Of the individuals who could identify their exposure source, most were attributed to household exposure, workplaces, and holiday events. Primary schools in Gem County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring primarily among household members.

OWYHEE COUNTY –  Health Alert Level: Red
Owyhee County remains in the red health alert level, due to a high positivity rate, as well as evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 3.50 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is trending in the right direction. However, the test positivity rate is 20.25% which is trending up and shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than our data show. This is a primary reason that Owyhee County remains in the red health alert level. Only 48.98% of cases can identify an exposure source, which points to sustained community transmission. Southwest District Health epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks in Owyhee County primarily from holiday gatherings, workplaces, and household exposure. Primary schools in Owyhee County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring among household members.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Payette County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a very high positivity rate and evidence of sustained community spread. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 4.47 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is decreasing. However, Payette County has a test positivity rate of 22.30%, which is increasing and shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 41.32% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. Southwest District Health epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks within local workplace settings, including Idaho and Oregon workplaces, as well as community gatherings and holiday events. Primary schools in Payette County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring among household members.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Washington County will remain in the red health alert level, due to an elevated daily incidence rate and a high positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 5.55 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing. The positivity rate for Washington County is 9.68%, which is decreasing but still shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 57.75% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. Southwest District Health epidemiologists are seeing transmission occurring primarily within households and workplaces. Primary schools in Washington County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring among household members.

WEEKLY CASES BY SCHOOL DISTRICT
During the week of December 27, 2020 – January 2, 2021, all schools within SWDH are on winter break. No in-person or remote learning took place during this week.

 The following table represents data on the number of staff and students currently in quarantine and isolation on the day the data are pulled and may not account for individuals who have been released from quarantine or are just entering quarantine.

Those in quarantine have been identified as a close contact of a positive case and are being asked to stay home for 14 days to monitor for symptoms. Those in isolation are currently positive for COVID-19 and are asked to isolate away from others for a minimum of ten days from the onset of symptoms to prevent further spread of the infection.

Region 3 data are available on the Southwest District Health website at https://swdh.id.gov/covid19/.  Please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ for statewide information. Questions may be directed to the SWDH COVID-19 Call Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 208-455-5411.

# # #

Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Health alert levels remain unchanged across the six-county jurisdiction of Southwest District Health; Holiday COVID-19 safety reminders

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Daily incidence rates of COVID-19 remain at an elevated level across the district with a slight decline in incidence rate. This is based on data available for the date range December 13, 2020 – December 26, 2020. Currently, all six-counties within the jurisdiction of Public Health District 3 are at the red health alert level. As of December 26, 2020, the daily district-wide incident rate per 10,000 population is 6.27.

As we prepare to ring in the New Year, the safest way to celebrate is at home with the people who live with you or stay connected virtually with friends and family. Consider other activities to celebrate New Year’s, such as:

• Have virtual celebrations with loved ones.
• Plan a New Year’s party for the people who live with you.
• Watch livestreamed New Year’s programming from your home.

If you’re celebrating New Year’s with people outside your household, make sure you take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask.
• Wash your hands.
• Stay at least 6 feet (at least 2 arm’s length) apart.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• Get a flu shot as soon as possible.
• Please keep in mind the current Idaho Stage 2 Modified Stay Healthy order restrictions on gathering size, limiting gathering sizes to 10 individuals or less.

Thank you to residents of District 3 for continuing to follow current recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a reminder, all six counties in the district continue to experience community spread, which puts people living in and visiting these communities at higher risk for exposure. It is the goal of Southwest District Health to work our way back to a place where we have no community spread.

The information used in determining county health alert levels is provided below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Adams County will remain in the red health alert level, with an increasing incidence rate, and a high percentage of cases resulting from community transmission. Adams County saw an increase in daily COVID-19 incidence, which brings the most recent incidence rate to 15.80 daily new cases per 10,000 people.  Some of these new cases can be traced to social and community gatherings, as well as workplace exposure. Evidence collected through investigations during the two-week period show sustained community transmission in Adams County, as only 70.13% of cases can identify a potential exposure source. Additionally, the test positivity rate for Adams County is 12.96%, which is decreasing but still much higher than we would like to see. Primary schools in Adams County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring within households.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Canyon County will remain in the red health alert level due to an elevated COVID-19 daily incidence rate and high positivity rate. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 6.32 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is decreasing but still much higher than we would like to see. Only 56.66% of COVID-19 cases have reported knowing where they were exposed, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH investigators are continuing to see cases exposed through community gatherings as well as in workplaces and households. Additionally, the test positivity rate in Canyon County is 15.82% which is trending down but still shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent than our data show. Eighteen congregate living facilities are reporting cluster outbreaks.  Healthcare facilities in Canyon County are postponing elective surgeries to conserve resources. Primary schools in Canyon County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring within households.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Gem County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a high daily incidence rate and positivity rate. Gem County has a daily incidence rate of 5.60 daily cases per 10,000 people and a test positivity rate of 15.28%. While these metrics are trending down, they are still higher than we would like to see. Two congregate care facilities in Gem County are facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 61.32% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to community transmission. Of the individuals who could identify their exposure source, most were attributed to household exposure, workplaces, and community events. Primary schools in Gem County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring within households.

OWYHEE COUNTY –  Health Alert Level: Red
Owyhee County remains in the red health alert level, due to a high positivity rate, as well as evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 4.59 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is trending in the right direction. Only 56.92% of cases can identify an exposure source, which points to sustained community transmission. Additionally, the test positivity rate is 18.40% which is trending up and shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than our data show. This is a primary reason that Owyhee County remains in the red health alert level. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks in Owyhee County primarily from social gatherings, workplaces, and household exposure. Primary schools in Owyhee County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring within households.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Payette County will remain in the red health alert level, due to an elevated COVID-19 daily incidence rate and positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 4.95 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is decreasing. Only 48.06% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks within local workplace settings, including Idaho and Oregon workplaces, as well community and social gatherings. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 13.15%, which is remaining elevated and shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Primary schools in Payette County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring within households.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Washington County will remain in the red health alert level, due to an elevated daily incidence rate and a high positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 7.59 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing but still extremely high. The positivity rate for Washington County is 16.30%, which is decreasing but still shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 59.80% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing transmission occurring primarily within households and workplaces. Primary schools in Washington County are on winter break, which limits the possibility of continued cluster outbreaks and transmission within schools. Sporadic cases among students are still being reported, with transmission occurring within households.
WEEKLY CASES BY SCHOOL DISTRICT

During the week of December 20, 2020 – December 26, 2020, all schools within SWDH are on winter break. No in-person or remote learning took place during this week

The following table represents data on the number of staff and students currently in quarantine and isolation on the day the data are pulled and may not account for individuals who have been released from quarantine or are just entering quarantine.

Those in quarantine have been identified as a close contact of a positive case and are being asked to stay home for 14 days to monitor for symptoms. Those in isolation are currently positive for COVID-19 and are asked to isolate away from others for a minimum of ten days from the onset of symptoms to prevent further spread of the infection.

Region 3 data are available on the Southwest District Health website at https://swdh.id.gov/covid19/.  Please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ for statewide information. Questions may be directed to the SWDH COVID-19 Call Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 208-455-5411.

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Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALDWELL, IDAHO –  Southwest District Health staff continue to coordinate the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The first shipment of the EUA-approved Moderna mRNA vaccine was received by the District on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, for a total of 2,900 doses. Last week, Southwest District Health staff successfully distributed the initial round of approximately 1,950 doses of Pfizer vaccine received.

Currently, the COVID-19 vaccines are only available for individuals indicated in Tier 1 as set out in Idaho’s vaccine rollout plan. Those who are currently in the qualifying Tier 1 group are as follows:

• Healthcare personnel, that includes hospital staff essential for care of COVID-19 patients and maintaining hospital capacity (includes support staff as well as clinical staff)
• Outpatient clinic staff essential for care of COVID-19 patients and maintaining hospital capacity
• Long-term care facility staff and residents
• Home care providers for adults 65 years of age and older or for other adults or children with high-risk medical conditions
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Outpatient and inpatient medical staff not already included above who are unable to telework
• Dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants
• Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy aides
• Public health and emergency management response workers who are unable to telework

Individuals who fall within the above referenced qualifying Tier 1 group are advised to reach out to their employer to inquire about vaccine availability. If employers are unable to answer questions regarding vaccine availability, the Southwest District Health COVID-19 Call Center is available to field questions Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (with the exception of observed holidays) 208-455-5411.

COVID-19 vaccinations are not available at this time for the general public. After Tier 1 individuals have been offered the vaccine, Southwest District Health will begin providing vaccine to Tier 2 following Idaho’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee’s (CVAC) recommendations that have been approved by Governor Little. Members of the general public seeking COVID-19 vaccinations can watch for updates from Southwest District Health for information about when and where vaccines will be available.

It is important to note that there are no governmental entities in Idaho requiring anyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While public health supports the COVID-19 vaccine, individuals can choose whether or not to pursue the vaccine as a protection measure.

Healthcare providers, including dental and pharmacy professionals who fit within the Tier 1 priority group interested in the COVID-19 vaccine, are invited to reach out to SWDH staff by e-mailing COVIDvaccine@phd3.idaho.gov or calling 208-593-1412.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, please visit: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

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Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Health alert levels remain unchanged across the six-county jurisdiction of Southwest District Health

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Daily incidence rates of COVID-19 remain at an elevated level across the district. This is based on data available for the date range December 6, 2020 – December 19, 2020. Currently, all six-counties within the jurisdiction of Public Health District 3 are at the red health alert level. As of December 19, 2020, the daily district-wide incident rate per 10,000 population is 8.12.

As a reminder, all six counties in the district are now experiencing community spread, which puts people living in and visiting these communities at higher risk for exposure. It is the goal of Southwest District Health to work our way back to a place where we have no community spread. This is an achievable goal that can be met by making a choice. The choice to socially distance from people outside your household, wearing a face-covering, staying home when sick or exposed to COVID-19, and washing your hands frequently.

The information used in determining county health alert levels is provided below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Adams County will remain in the red health alert level, with an increasing incidence rate, and a high percentage of cases resulting from community transmission. Adams County saw an increase in daily COVID-19 incidence, which brings the most recent incidence rate to 8.74 daily new cases per 10,000 people.[1] Some of these new cases can be traced to travel and community events. Evidence collected through investigations during the two-week period show sustained community transmission in Adams County, as only 74.36% of cases can identify a potential exposure source. Additionally, the test positivity rate for Adams County is 19.63%, which more than doubled over the past week. Multiple schools in Adams County are reporting sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with one school experiencing a cluster outbreak.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Canyon County will remain in the red health alert level due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate and high positivity rate. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 8.40 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is increasing slightly. Only 59.41% of COVID-19 cases have reported knowing where they were exposed, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH investigators are continuing to see cases exposed through social gatherings as well as in workplaces and households. Additionally, the test positivity rate in Canyon County is 19.48%, which is increasing and concerning SWDH epidemiologists. Eighteen congregate living facilities are reporting cluster outbreaks.[2] Healthcare facilities in Canyon County are postponing elective surgeries to conserve resources and are periodically unable to take new patients in their emergency departments, and behavioral health, pediatric, and intensive care units. Additionally, multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting a cluster outbreak, with transmission occurring within the schools.

[1] The incidence rate measures how many cases occur each day, and standardizes this value by population. SWDH measures the daily incidence rate per 10,000 population using the following calculation: daily confirmed and probable cases are averaged over the two-week period. This value is divided by the county population, and then multiplied by 10,000 to find the daily incidence per 10,000.

[2] According to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, “Long-term care facility means a nursing home, assisted living facility, or intermediate care facility. There are just over 400 long-term care facilities in Idaho. Outbreak means at least one lab-confirmed COVID-19-positive case associated with a facility.”

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Gem County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a high daily incidence rate and positivity rate. Gem County has a daily incidence rate of 9.35 daily cases per 10,000 people and a test positivity rate of 22.49%. While these metrics are trending down, they are still much higher than we would like to see. Three congregate care facilities in Gem County are facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 63.44% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to community transmission. Of the individuals who could identify their exposure source, most were attributed to household exposure, workplaces, out of state travel, and local businesses. Multiple schools in Gem County are reporting cluster outbreaks with transmission occurring within the schools.

OWYHEE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Owyhee County remains in the red health alert level, due to a high COVID-19 daily incidence rate and positivity rate, as well as evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 5.56 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing but remains elevated. Only 61.54% of cases can identify an exposure source, which points to sustained community transmission. Additionally, the test positivity rate is 13.66% which is trending down but still shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than our data show. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks in Owyhee County primarily from social gatherings, workplaces, and household exposure. Multiple schools in Owyhee County are reporting sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with a cluster outbreak within one school.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Payette County will remain in the red health alert level, due to an elevated COVID-19 daily incidence rate and positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 5.61 daily new cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing. Only 52.56% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks within local workplace settings, including Idaho and Oregon workplaces, as well as travel. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 19.83%, which is remaining elevated and shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Many Payette County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with no evidence of transmission within the schools.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Washington County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a high daily incidence rate and a high positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 8.30 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing but still extremely high. The positivity rate for Washington County is 22.62%, which is decreasing, but still shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 66.97% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing transmission occurring primarily within households and workplaces. Multiple Washington County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with no evidence of transmission within the schools.

WEEKLY CASES BY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The following table represents data on confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases among students and staff where investigations began between December 13, 2020 and December 19, 2020.

The following table represents data on the number of staff and students currently in quarantine and isolation on the day the data are pulled and may not account for individuals who have been released from quarantine or are just entering quarantine.
Those in quarantine have been identified as a close contact of a positive case and are being asked to stay home for 14 days to monitor for symptoms. Those in isolation are currently positive for COVID-19 and are asked to isolate away from others for a minimum of ten days from the onset of symptoms to prevent further spread of the infection.

Region 3 data are available on the Southwest District Health website at https://swdh.id.gov/covid19/.  Please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ for statewide information. Questions may be directed to the SWDH COVID-19 Call Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 208-455-5411.

# # #

Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest District Health successfully distributes first round of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received to medical clinic, hospital partners

CALDWELL, IDAHO –  Southwest District Health staff successfully distributed the initial round of approximately 1,950 doses of Pfizer vaccine received. Vaccine distribution began at 7:00 a.m. this morning and involved coordination with major community partner medical clinics and hospitals from across the six-county region Southwest District Health serves.

Idaho’s vaccine rollout plans instruct local health districts to prioritize vaccine for local hospital staff and outpatient clinic staff who are providing care for COVID-19 patients. Hospital staff are essential for the care of COVID-19 patients and maintaining hospital capacity. After those facilities have been offered the vaccine, the remaining doses will be offered to additional groups following Idaho’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee’s (CVAC) recommendations.

The medical clinic and hospital partners who received this first round of vaccine will be responsible for administering the vaccine to their eligible Tier 1 staff. “Providers who picked up the vaccine were so very excited to receive it and be part of vaccine administration in this historic roll out” said Molly Smith, Southwest District Health Training and Exercise Coordinator.

Additional vaccine is expected next week and distribution will involve similar coordination as staff reach out to the region’s providers to ensure accessibility to the vaccine. “I really commend SWDH staff who have worked so hard to go the distance to identify smaller practices and ensure equitable distribution with future vaccine received,” said Clay Roscoe, MD, Southwest District Health Medical Director.

Independent practices that fit within the Phase 1 priority group interested in assistance with the COVID-19 vaccination are invited to reach out to SWDH staff by calling Molly Smith at (208) 455-5372 or TJ Wilson at (208) 455-5326.

Members of the general public seeking COVID-19 vaccinations can watch for updates from Southwest District Health for information about when and where vaccines will be available. It is important to note that there are no governmental entities in Idaho requiring anyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While public health supports the COVID-19 vaccine, individuals can choose whether or not to pursue the vaccine as a protection measure.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, please visit: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

# # #

Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest District Health announces expanded COVID-19 testing services available through the end of the year

CALDWELL, IDAHO –  Southwest District Health has expanded COVID-19 testing service availability through the end of the year for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. No cost COVID-19 drive-through testing services will be available Monday through Saturday at Southwest District Health’s Caldwell facility located at 13307 Miami Lane, Caldwell, Idaho, 83607. There will be no testing services available on December 25, 2020.

To schedule an appointment for drive-through COVID-19 testing at the Caldwell facility, please call (208) 296-1030.

In addition, Southwest District Health is partnering with Crush the Curve to improve testing accessibility to outlying counties by providing accessible, free COVID-19 testing for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Funding provided by the State of Idaho make this partnership possible through the end of December 2020.

Testing Dates, Location, and Address Information:

Butte View Complex parking lot; 400 S. Pine Street, Emmett, Idaho

Dates

• December 19-20, 2020 8am – 2pm
• December 26-27, 2020   8am – 2pm

Costs

• For individuals WITH insurance, the lab processing your test will bill your insurance provider. All co-pays are waived through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. If for any reason your provider denies coverage, the State of Idaho will cover the cost of the test. Individuals will not receive a bill for services.
• For individuals WITHOUT insurance, the federal Families First Coronavirus Act covers the cost of testing completely.

How to make an appointment

• Go to CrushTheCurveIdaho.com and take the assessment. The assessment will ask for insurance information. At the end of the online assessment, you will be given a case number. Please take that number with you to your appointment.

When to expect results

• An email with test results will be sent 24 – 36 hours after your test arrives at the lab.

For more information, please contact Lori Sperry at Southwest District Health at (208) 371-3197.

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Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red health alert level maintained across the six-county jurisdiction of Southwest District Health

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Daily incidence rates of COVID-19 remain at an elevated level across the district. This is based on data available for the date-range November 29, 2020 – December 12, 2020. All six counties within the jurisdiction of Public Health District 3 are at the red health alert level. As of December 12, 2020, the daily district-wide incident rate per 10,000 is 8.21.

As a reminder, all six counties in the district continue to experience community spread, which puts people living in and visiting these communities at higher risk for exposure. It is the goal of Southwest District Health to work our way back to a place where we have no community spread. This is an achievable goal that can be met by making a choice. The choice to socially distance from people outside your household, wearing a face-covering, staying home when sick or exposed to COVID-19, and washing your hands frequently.

The information used in determining county health alert levels is listed below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Adams County will remain in the red health alert level, with a decreasing incidence rate, and a high percentage of cases resulting from community transmission. Adams County saw a decrease in daily COVID-19 incidence, which brings the most recent incidence rate to 4.87 daily new cases per 10,000 people.1 Some of these new cases can be traced to travel and community events. Evidence collected through investigations during the two-week period show sustained community transmission in Adams County, as only 50.00% of cases can identify a potential exposure source. Additionally, the test positivity rate for Adams County is 7.35% which is trending down. While there have been some COVID-19 cases in Adams County schools, there is no evidence of cluster outbreaks or transmission within the schools.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Canyon County will remain in the red health alert level due to a high COVID-19 daily incidence rate and positivity rate. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 8.32 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is trending down slightly. Only 61.54% of COVID-19 cases have reported knowing where they were exposed, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH investigators are continuing to see cases exposed through social and community gatherings as well as in workplaces and households. Additionally, the test positivity rate in Canyon County is 20.78% which is increasing and concerning SWDH epidemiologists. Eighteen congregate living facilities are reporting cluster outbreaks.2 Healthcare facilities in Canyon County are postponing elective surgeries to conserve resources. Additionally, multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting an outbreak or transmission within the school.

1 The incidence rate measures how many cases occur each day, and standardizes this value by population. SWDH measures the daily incidence rate per 10,000 population using the following calculation: daily confirmed and probable cases are averaged over the two-week period. This value is divided by the county population, and then multiplied by 10,000 to find the daily incidence per 10,000.
2 According to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, “Long-term care facility means a nursing home, assisted living facility, or intermediate care facility. There are just over 400 long-term care facilities in Idaho. Outbreak means at least one lab-confirmed COVID-19-positive case associated with a facility.”

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Gem County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a high daily incidence rate and positivity rate. Gem County has a daily incidence rate of 11.00 daily cases per 10,000 people and a test positivity rate of 22.58%. While these metrics are trending down, they are still much higher than we would like to see. Three congregate care facilities in Gem County are facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 65.98% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to community transmission. Of the individuals who could identify their exposure source, most were attributed to household exposure, workplaces, and social gatherings. Multiple schools in Gem County are reporting cluster outbreaks with transmission occurring within the schools.

OWYHEE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Owyhee County remains in the red health alert level, due to a high COVID-19 daily incidence rate, increasing positivity rate, and evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 7.01 daily cases per 10,000 people, which remains elevated. Only 55.91% of cases can identify an exposure source, which points to sustained community transmission. Additionally, the test positivity rate is 32.16% which shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than our data show. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks in Owyhee County primarily from social gatherings, workplaces, and travel exposure. Multiple schools in Owyhee County are reporting sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with a cluster outbreak within one school.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Payette County will remain in the red health alert level, due to an elevated COVID-19 daily incidence rate and positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 6.59 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is decreasing. Only 57.59% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks within local workplace settings, including Idaho and Oregon workplaces, as well as social gatherings. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 20.33%, which is remaining elevated and shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. Many Payette County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with no evidence of transmission within the schools.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Washington County will remain in the red health alert level, due to a high daily incidence rate and an increasingly high positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 9.63 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing but still extremely high. The positivity rate for Washington County is 30.95%, which increased dramatically and shows that COVID-19 is much more prevalent in the community than our data show. Only 67.20% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing transmission occurring primarily within households and through community transmission. Multiple Washington County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with transmission occurring within one school.

WEEKLY CASES BY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The following table represents data on confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases among students and staff where investigations began between December 5, 2020 and December 12, 2020.

The following table represents data on the number of staff and students currently in quarantine and isolation on the day the data are pulled and may not account for individuals who have been released from quarantine or are just entering quarantine.

Those in quarantine have been identified as a close contact of a positive case and are being asked to stay home for 14 days to monitor for symptoms. Those in isolation are currently positive for COVID-19 and are asked to isolate away from others for a minimum of ten days from the onset of symptoms to prevent further spread of the infection.

Region 3 data are available on the Southwest District Health website at: https://swdh.id.gov/covid19/. Please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ for statewide information. Questions may be directed to the SWDH COVID-19 Call Center Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 208-455-5411.

# # #

Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov