FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fall and winter holiday guidance; COVID-19 safety recommendations

 CALDWELL, IDAHO  – Traditional fall and winter holiday gatherings with family and friends are fun but increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) or the flu. Southwest District Health recommends following these everyday tips to make your holiday season safer:

• Wear a mask.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live in your household.
• Wash your hands.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Keep your immune system strong: eat healthy foods, exercise daily, and get your flu shot.

Any in-person gatherings with persons outside of your household are considered high-risk, given the rapidly increasing rates of infection across the country and Idaho. Southwest District Health recommends that you find alternative activities this year to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you do plan on attending in-person gatherings with people outside of your household, take these additional steps:

• Limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people (learn more at Stage 2 Stay Healthy Order).
• Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Wear a mask and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
• Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
• Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.

If having guests to your home, be sure your guests follow the steps for those attending gatherings so that everyone can make Thanksgiving safer. Other steps you as a host can take include:

• Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
• Limit the number of guests.
• Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
• If celebrating indoors, open windows.
• Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
• Have guests bring their own food and drink.
• If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you do choose to travel:

• Check travel restrictions before you go.
• Get your flu shot before you travel.
• Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation.
• Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who does not live in your household.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.

While we may not be able to participate in traditional fall and winter holiday celebrations, consider these other holiday activities:

• Host a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live in your household. Schedule a time to share a meal virtually.
• Have people share recipes and show their turkey, dressing, or other dishes they prepared.
• Watch Thanksgiving Day parades, sports, and movies at home.
• Find a fun game to play.
• Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and the days leading up to the winter holidays.
• Use contactless services, like a curbside pick-up, for purchased items.
• Shop in open-air markets, staying 6 feet away from others.
• Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch).
• Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.

Remember, everyone can make Thanksgiving safer. The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people who live in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take steps to make your celebration safer. Southwest District Health has published a helpful Fall and Winter Holiday Guidance document that may be found at https://swdh.id.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Fall-Winter-Guidance-Final-11.16.2020.pdf.

If you do not feel well, have a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Thanksgiving festivities or Black Friday shopping. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or flu.

If you think you have COVID-19 and need a test, contact your health care provider for an evaluation immediately. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 211 for assistance. Visit https://get-tested-covid19.org/ to find a COVID-19 testing site.

Region 3 COVID-19 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, excluding holidays.

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Media Contacts: 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gem, Owyhee, and Payette Counties moved to health alert level red

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Daily incidence rates continue to increase across the majority of the district. Based on data available for November 1, 2020 – November 14, 2020, Gem County, Owyhee County, and Payette Counties have moved from the orange alert level to the red alert level. Adams County is the only county remaining at the orange health alert level. The remaining counties are at the red alert level. The information used in determining county health alert levels is listed below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange

Adams County will remain in the orange health alert level, with an incidence rate of 3.53 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is decreasing. Many of these new cases can be traced to one cluster of COVID-19 cases. 94.12% of individuals who have contracted COVID-19 can determine where they were exposed to the virus, which does not meet the definition of community transmission which is less than 90%. One school in Adams County is experiencing a cluster outbreak with transmission occurring within the school.

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 an increasing positivity rate. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 6.31 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is trending up. Only 67.26% 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. Additionally, the test positivity rate in Canyon County has continued to increase to 17.83% which is concerning SWDH epidemiologists. Fourteen congregate living facilities are seeing cluster outbreaks. Some healthcare facilities in Canyon County are nearing capacity for inpatient and ICU bed and have concerns about critical care staffing. Additionally, multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting an outbreak or transmission within the school.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red

Gem County will move to the red health alert level, due to an increasing incidence rate and increasing positivity rate. Gem County has a daily incidence rate of 5.92 daily cases per 10,000 people and a test positivity rate of 15.38%. One congregate care facilities in Gem County is facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 73.63% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is trending up but still points to community transmission. Additionally, local healthcare providers are concerned with staffing shortages and hospital capacity. Multiple schools in Gem County are experiencing cluster outbreaks among students and staff.

OWYHEE COUNTY –  Health Alert Level: Red

Owyhee County will move to the red health alert level, due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate, very high positivity rate, and evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 5.01 daily cases per 10,000 people, which increased dramatically. Only 67.27% of cases can identify an exposure source, which is very concerning and points to sustained community spread. Additionally, the test positivity rate is 21.64% which shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data shows. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks in workplaces, businesses, and through community gatherings. There were multiple sporadic, imported case of COVID-19 within Owyhee County schools during the two-week date range with no evidence of transmission within schools.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red

Payette County will move to the red health alert level, due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate, as well as a high positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 5.37 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is increasing. Only 62.79% 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, households, and from social gatherings. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 15.41%, which is very high and shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data shows. Many Payette County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with one school reporting a cluster outbreak.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red

Washington County will remain in the red health alert level, due to an increasing daily incidence rate and positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 7.80 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing dramatically. The positivity rate for Washington County is 19.86%, which is continuing to increase. 72.00% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is decreasing and points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing transmission occurring within workplaces, households, and among healthcare workers in Washington County. Multiple Washington County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with transmission occurring within one school. Additionally, we are seeing an increase in total hospitalizations in Washington County which is decreasing hospital capacity.

Correction from 11/11/2020 Health Alert Levels: No elective surgeries have been postponed by hospitals in Washington County.

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 November 8, 2020 and November 14, 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.

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Media Contacts: 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Second Amended Release–
No mask mandate meeting or vote scheduled Thursday, November 19, 2020

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Our previous news releases incorrectly identified Channel 6 as a source of misinformation.  Channel 6 did not issue this misinformation and had reported accurate information regarding a neighboring public health district. Several media sources reported that the Southwest District Health Board of Health will hold a meeting today, Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. to vote on a mask mandate.

This information is incorrect. There is no Board of Health meeting and there is no mask mandate vote scheduled for today, Thursday, November 19, 2020.

Southwest District Health’s Public Information Team has reached out to these media partners to ask them to provide correct information and sent out information via social media channels to inform the public that no Board meeting and no mask mandate meeting is scheduled for today.

The Southwest District Health Board of Health met Tuesday, November 17, 2020, for its regularly scheduled Board of Health meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

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. Please refer to https://swdh.id.gov/covid19/ for the latest local numbers and data and https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ for statewide information.

# # #

Media Contacts: 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Canyon and Washington Counties moved to health alert level red

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Daily incidence rates continue to increase across the majority of the district. Based on data available for October 25, 2020 – November 7, 2020, Canyon County and Washington County have moved from the orange alert level to the red alert level. The remaining counties’ health alert levels are at the orange alert level. The information used in determining county health alert levels is listed below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Adams County will remain in the orange health alert level, with many new cases of COVID-19 reported between October 25, 2020 and November 7, 2020. Adams County had an incidence rate of 5.71 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is increasing slightly. Many of these new cases can be traced to one cluster of COVID-19 cases. Most individuals who have contracted COVID-19 can determine where they were exposed to the virus, and there has been no evidence of community transmission occurring within Adams County. For this reason, Adams County will remain in the orange alert level, even with an incidence rate in the red level. Multiple schools in Adams County have sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with one school experiencing a cluster outbreak with transmission occurring within the school.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Canyon County will move to the red health alert level due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate1 and an increasing positivity rate. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 4.90 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is trending up and right on the cusp of the red category for this metric (at 5.0 daily new cases per 10,000). Only 66.8% 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. Additionally, the test positivity rate in Canyon County has spiked to 13.39% which is concerning SWDH epidemiologists. Eleven congregate living facilities are seeing cluster outbreaks2. Some healthcare facilities in Canyon County are nearing capacity for inpatient and ICU bed and have concerns about critical care staffing. Additionally, multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting an outbreak or transmission within the school.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Gem County will move to the orange health alert level due to an increasing incidence rate and increasing positivity rate. Gem County has a daily incidence rate of 3.63 daily cases per 10,000 people and a test positivity rate of 11.82%. One congregate care facilities in Gem County is facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 64.2% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is trending up and points to community transmission. Additionally, local healthcare providers are concerned with staffing shortages and hospital capacity. One school in Gem County is experiencing a cluster outbreak among students and staff.

OWYHEE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Owyhee County will remain in the orange health alert level, due to a slightly increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate, very high positivity rate, and evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 2.78 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. Just under half of all cases do not know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is very concerning and points to sustained community spread. Additionally, the test positivity rate is 16.67% which shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than SWDH data show. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks in workplaces and businesses. There were multiple sporadic, imported case of COVID-19 within Owyhee County schools during the two-week date range with no evidence of transmission within schools.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Payette County will remain in the orange health alert level, due to a slightly increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate, as well as an increasing positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 3.76 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is increasing slightly. Only 48.31% 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 and households. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 15.64%, which is very high and shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than SWDH data show. Many Payette County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with no evidence of transmission occurring within schools.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Washington County will move to 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 6.89 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing dramatically. The positivity rate for Washington County is 17.04%, which has nearly doubled since last week. 74.19% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is improving but still points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing transmission occurring within workplaces, households, and among healthcare workers in Washington County. Multiple Washington County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with transmission occurring within one school. Additionally, there is an increase in total hospitalizations in Washington County which is decreasing hospital capacity. Elective surgeries are being cancelled or postponed to remedy this.

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 November 1, 2020 and November 7, 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

Case surges overwhelm public health efforts across Idaho

IDAHO – South Central Public Health District, Central District Health, Southwest District Health, and the Panhandle Health District warn case surges in the last month have created backlogs and delays for their disease investigation teams, making it impossible to contact all new reported cases or those individual’s close-contacts.

Disease investigation remains a top priority for public health. However, as cases have flooded into the state, tripling daily averages in some districts, public health is asking for the community’s help.

“We are committed to doing our part in public health,” said Katherine Hoyer, Public Information Officer at Panhandle Health District. “But the reality we are facing is that levels of community transmission are making the critical work of investigation and contact tracing diluted. Simply put, we need the cooperation of our community members to do all they can to reduce their risk and protect themselves, their loved ones and fellow community members,” said Hoyer.

With the latest surge in cases, some health districts have been forced to prioritize investigative calls by age, to ensure they are reaching the people most at risk for severe symptoms and those most likely to spread the disease.

Because of the backlogs, public health districts report a growing number of people are not getting a call from their offices and urge anyone who is awaiting a test result or who receives a positive test result to take their own proactive measures to protect themselves and those around them.

“We have to rely on everyone we don’t speak with to act responsibly on their own. That means isolating while waiting for test results and, if positive, warning all of their close-contacts that they need to quarantine right away,” said Doug Doney, Acting Director for SWDH.

Anyone awaiting a test result should:

• Stay home and monitor your health – stay away from others in your household whenever possible. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
• Think about the people you have recently been around and in what environments.
• Answer the phone call from the health department if they are able to reach out to you.
• Helpful Resource: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/php/318271-A_FS_KeyStepsWhenWaitingForCOVID-19Results_3.pdf

If you test positive you should:

• Stay home except to get medical care; do not visit public places.
• Take care of yourself – get rest, stay hydrated.
• Stay in touch with your doctor – seek care if you have any emergency warning signs or if you think it’s an emergency.
• Contact those with whom you have had close contact with to let them know they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
• Helpful Resource: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html

In the Panhandle Health District, over 100 cases are coming in daily, the testing positivity and the testing demand continue to increase. The District is in a difficult position and cannot sustainably have staff continue to work after-hours. This is compounded by a stressful work environment where the public is, at times, resistant to the District’s help.

Due to the increased amount of daily cases that the District is receiving, they are focusing on case investigation by contacting those who tested positive and asking them to follow-up with their close contacts. This will allow staff to contact additional cases in a timely manner, but close contacts of those cases will not be called by PHD. This is temporary and normal case investigation and contact tracing will resume when they are able.

“We are able to report over 100 cases per day, but that is only what we are able to get into data entry,” said Hoyer. “Some days there may be double that amount of cases and our staff is struggling to just keep our heads above water. We want the public to have an accurate idea of what is occurring in our community while sustaining a modified case investigation.”

In South Central Public Health District, more than three times the number of cases were reported in October compared to any other month so far. Investigators are clearing about 300 cases a week, but receiving well over a thousand. Since Monday, November 2nd, SCPHD has received more than 200 cases reported each day.

“Our actions have consequences. We need to focus on our common goals; keep people healthy, keep businesses and schools open, and keep our hospitals running,” said Melody Bowyer, SCPHD Director. “To do that, we need to work together to bring our cases down.”

In Southwest District Health, this week SWDH has averaged 200 new cases reported a day. The more new cases means the less monitoring or close contact investigations we can complete. On average, we have more than doubled and nearly tripled our caseload with no increase in staffing.

“We desperately need the community’s help to dial back the numbers. The investigations team is doing our very best to keep up with the demand, including working overtime, but with the drastic increase in positive cases in such a short time, we need the help of the public to try to keep the cases down.” said Jaime Aanensen, Environmental and Community Health Division Administrator.

In Central District Health, cases related to long-term care facilities and schools are receiving priority for investigation and contact tracing among the latest surge in cases. This week, Ada County will well surpass a record 1,500 cases reported in one week, set back in July. CDH’s more rural counties are also seeing troubling increases. CDH is asking its residents to consider the things they are doing outside of their homes and take all steps to avoid any unnecessary risks.

“Reduce trips to the store, limit contact with people outside of your household, and be vigilant about wearing a mask and keeping distance from others. These sacrifices are critical to getting back to a more manageable case rate for our communities and protecting our most vulnerable residents,” said Russ Duke, District Director for Central District Health.

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More information:

South Central Public Health District
Counties: Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Twin Falls 
Contact Brianna Bodily, Public Information Officer, bbodily@phd5.idaho.gov
COVID-19 hotlines: Spanish (208) 737-5965, English (208) 737-1138.
Data, guidance, and resources: https://phd5.idaho.gov/coronavirus

Central District Health
Counties: Ada, Boise, Elmore, Valley
Contact: Christine Myron, Public Information Officer, cmyron@cdh.idaho.gov
COVID-19 hotline: (208) 321-2222
Data, guidance, and resources: https://www.cdh.idaho.gov/covid

Southwest District Health
Counties: Adams, Washington, Payette, Gem, Canyon, Owyhee  
Contact: Ashley Anderson, Public Information Officer, ashley.anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
COVID-19 hotline: (208) 455-5411
Data, guidance, and resources: https://www.phd3.idaho.gov/covid19

Panhandle Health District
Counties: Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah, Shoshone
Contact: Katherine Hoyer, Public Information Officer, khoyer@phd1.idaho.gov
COVID-19 hotline: 877-415-5225
Data, guidance, and resources: www.panhandlehealthdistrict.org/COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Payette County moved from health alert level red; Multiple counties at health alert level orange

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Daily incidence rates continue to increase across the majority of the district. Based on data available for October 18, 2020 – October 31, 2020, Adams County and Owyhee County have moved from the yellow alert level to the orange alert level. Payette County was moved from the red alert level to the orange alert level. The remaining counties’ health alert levels are the same. The information used in determining county health alert levels is listed below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Adams County will move to the orange health alert level, with many new cases of COVID-19 reported between October 18, 2020 and October 31, 2020. Adams County had an incidence rate of 5.55 daily new cases per 10,000 people which shows a surge in COVID-19 cases. Many of these new cases can be traced to one cluster of COVID-19 cases. Most individuals who have contracted COVID-19 can determine where they were exposed to the virus. At the moment, this shows community spread is rare in Adams County. One school in Adams County is experiencing a cluster outbreak with transmission occurring within the school.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Canyon County will remain in the orange health alert level due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate and an increasing rate of cluster outbreaks from community gatherings. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 3.96 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is trending up. Only 59.9% 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. Canyon County will move to a higher alert level if we continue to see key metrics trending up. Ten congregate living facilities are seeing cluster outbreaks. Some healthcare facilities in Canyon County are nearing capacity for inpatient and ICU bed and have concerns about critical care staffing. Additionally, multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting an outbreak or transmission within the school.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Yellow
Gem County will remain in the yellow health alert level, due to a slightly increasing incidence rate and increasing positivity rate. Gem County is close to the orange alert level, with a daily incidence rate of 2.49 daily cases per 10,000 people. One congregate care facility in Gem County is facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 60.49% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is trending down and points to some community transmission. Multiple sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 were identified in Gem County schools, with no evidence of transmission within the schools.

OWYHEE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Owyhee County will move to the orange health alert level, due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate, very high positivity rate, and evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 2.48 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. Half of all cases do not know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is very concerning and points to sustained community spread. Additionally, the test positivity rate is 18.45% which shows that COVID-19 is more prevalent in the community than our data show. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks from social gatherings and businesses. There were multiple sporadic, imported case of COVID-19 within Owyhee County schools during the two-week date range with no evidence of transmission within schools.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Payette County will move to the orange health alert level, due to a decreasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate, as well as a decreasing positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 3.13 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is decreasing for the second consecutive week. Only 39.08% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which in decreasing and points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks within local workplace settings and households. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 11.86%, which is decreasing but still very high. Payette County has made progress in controlling COVID-19 within their community and we hope to continue to see improvements in many key metrics, such as incidence rate, known source, and positivity rate. Many Payette County schools are seeing sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 with transmission occurring within one school.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Washington County will remain in the orange health alert level due to a high daily incidence rate and a high positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 4.50 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. The positivity rate for Washington County is 9.32%, which is decreasing but still much higher than we would like to see. 65.57% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is improving but still points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing transmission occurring from travel or out-of-town guests visiting residents of Washington County. Multiple Washington County schools are seeing cluster outbreaks with transmission occurring within schools. Additionally, we are seeing an increase in total hospitalizations in Washington County which is decreasing hospital capacity. Elective surgeries are being cancelled or postponed to remedy this.

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 October 25, 2020 and October 31, 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 10 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: 

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

NEWS RELEASE

October 29, 2020

Health Advisory Lifted for CJ Strike in Owyhee/Elmore Counties

Central District Health (CDH), Southwest District Health (SWDH), and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have lifted a health advisory for CJ Strike Reservoir, which has access points in both Owyhee and Elmore Counties. The advisory was issued on September 18, 2020 due to a harmful algal bloom (HAB). After regular monitoring, and water sample collection and testing, DEQ confirmed levels have returned to normal and toxin levels are below the safety threshold.
Public health and DEQ advise water users to be cautious in and around areas where a bloom may still be visible — always use caution around water bodies with visible slime, surface scum, or a foul odor. High concentrations of toxin-producing cyanobacteria may cause illness to both humans and animals.
For information on cyanobacteria blooms, how to report suspicious water, and a map of recreational water quality health advisories in Idaho, visit www.deq.idaho.gov/recreation-health-advisories. Many harmful algal blooms are identified through public reporting. If you suspect a bloom on a recreational water body in Idaho, report it to DEQ at https://cyanos.org/bloomwatch/.

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Contacts:

Christine Myron, Public Information Officer | Central District Health
(208) 871-1712 |  cmyron@cdh.idaho.gov

Katrina Williams, Media Contact | Southwest District Health
(208) 455-5317 | Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Adams County moves to yellow during weekly health alert level reassessment; no other changes made to health alert levels

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Daily incidence rates continue to edge up across the majority of the district. Based on data available for October 11, 2020 – October 24, 2020, Adams County was moved from the gray to the yellow alert level. No other changes were made to the health alert levels. The information used to in determining county health alert levels is listed below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Yellow
Adams County will move to the yellow health alert level, with many new cases of COVID-19 reported between October 11, 2020 and October 24, 2020. Adams County had an incidence rate of 3.03 daily new cases per 10,000 people which shows a surge in COVID-19 cases. Many of these new cases can be traced to one cluster of COVID-19 cases. Due to the size and kindred relationships within the community, this cluster has spread quickly throughout the community. One school in Adams County is experiencing a cluster outbreak with transmission occurring within the school.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Canyon County will remain in the orange health alert level due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate[1] and an increasing rate of cluster outbreaks from community gatherings. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 3.05 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is trending up. Only 53.7% 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 out of town travel as well as community gatherings. Eight congregate living facilities are seeing cluster outbreaks[2]. Some healthcare facilities in Canyon County are nearing capacity for inpatient and ICU bed and have concerns about critical care staffing. These hospitals are considering cancelling elective surgeries to conserve resources. Additionally, multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting an outbreak or transmission within the school.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Yellow
Gem County will remain in the yellow health alert level, due to an increasing incidence rate and relatively low positivity rate. Gem County currently has a daily incidence rate of 2.13 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. One congregate care facilities in Gem County is facing a sustained COVID-19 outbreak. 70.59% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is trending down and points to some community transmission. Multiple sporadic, imported cases of COVID-19 were identified in Gem County schools, with no evidence of transmission within the schools.

OWYHEE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Yellow
Owyhee County will remain in the yellow health alert level, due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate and evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 2.05 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. Only 29.03% of cases report knowing where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is very concerning and points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks as a result of exposure in workplaces and households. There were multiple sporadic, imported case of COVID-19 within Owyhee County schools during the two-week date range with no evidence of transmission within schools.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red
Payette County is to remain in the red health alert level, due to a high COVID-19 daily incidence rate, as well as a very high positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 3.43 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is decreasing. Only 43.40% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which in decreasing and points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks within local workplace settings, households, and as a result of community events. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 16.00%, which is increasing and is very high. Payette County has made progress in controlling COVID-19 within their community, but we would like to see a much lower positivity rate before movement between levels. One Payette County school is seeing a cluster outbreak with transmission occurring within schools.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange
Washington County will remain in the orange health alert level, due to a high daily incidence rate and a high positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 2.81 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. The positivity rate for Washington County is 11.46%, which is increasing and much higher than we would like to see. Only 48.65% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. Multiple Washington County schools are currently seeing sporadic, imported cases with no evidence of transmission occurring within 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 October 18, 2020 and October 24, 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 10 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.

[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.”

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Media Contacts: 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

County health alert levels reassessed; no changes made

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Southwest District Health staff reassessed county health alert levels.  Daily incidence rates continue to edge up across the majority of the district. Based on data available for October 4, 2020 – October 17, 2020, no changes were made to the health alert levels. The information included in determining county health alert levels is listed below.

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Gray

Adams County will remain in the gray health alert level, with only five new cases of COVID-19 reported between October 4, 2020 and October 17, 2020. Adams County had an incidence rate of 0.84 daily new cases per 10,000 people which shows a low risk to the community. There were no reported cases of COVID-19 in Adams County schools during the date range analyzed.

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange

Canyon County will remain in the orange health alert level due to a slightly increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate^[1] and an increasing rate of cluster outbreaks from community gatherings. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 2.37 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is trending up. Only 53.7% 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 out of state travel as well as community gatherings. Eight congregate living facilities are seeing cluster outbreaks^[2]. Additionally, multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting an outbreak or transmission within the school. Note: Canyon County will remain in the orange health alert level until sufficient data shows that metrics are met for either the higher or lower level. Canyon County is seeing a similar increase in cases as compared with Ada County. SWDH uses a 4 level system, whereas CDH uses a 3 level system. This can explain why there are differing levels for the two closely entwined counties.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Yellow

Gem County will remain in the yellow health alert level, due to a slightly increasing incidence rate and decreased frequency of cluster outbreaks. Gem County currently has a daily incidence rate of 1.58 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. Two congregate care facilities in Gem County are facing sustained COVID-19 outbreaks. 79.49% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is trending down and points to sustained community transmission. One school is reporting a cluster outbreak with transmission occurring within the school.

OWYHEE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Yellow

Owyhee County will remain in the yellow health alert level, due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate and evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 1.57 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks as a result of exposure in workplaces, households, community events, as well as out of state travel. Only 41.67% of cases report knowing where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. There was one sporadic, imported case of COVID-19 within Owyhee County schools during the two-week date range with no evidence of transmission within schools.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red

Payette County is to remain in the red health alert level, due to a high COVID-19 daily incidence rate, as well as evidence of a high positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 3.82 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is increasing. Only 49.15% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which in decreasing and points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks within local workplace settings, households, and as a result of travel. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 12.94%, which is decreasing but still very high. Multiple Payette County schools are seeing cluster outbreaks with transmission occurring within schools.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange

Washington County will remain in the orange health alert level, due to a high daily incidence rate and a high positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 2.32 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing. The positivity rate for Washington County is 9.35%, which is decreasing but still much higher than we would like to see. Washington County schools are currently seeing sporadic, imported cases with a cluster outbreak occurring within one school.

SCHOOL DATA

Southwest District Health will begin to release information on the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases within each school district broken downby staff and students.

The following information is available as of October 15, 2020:

Adams: Isolation: 0, Quarantine:  0
Canyon: Isolation:  54, Quarantine:  339
Gem:  Isolation:  0, Quarantine:  29
Owyhee:  Isolation:  3, Quarantine:  11
Payette:  Isolation:  2, Quarantine:  26
Washington:  Isolation:  3,  Quarantine:  4

Total:  Isolation:  63  Quarantine:  397

The number quarantined is reflective of the number of staff and students currently in quarantine 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.

The isolation cases represent those who are currently positive for COVID-19. Also, those who are in isolation are asked to isolate away from others for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms to prevent further spread of the infection.

The following information represents students and teachers who tested positive for COVID-19 between 10/11/20-10/17/20 is available.

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.

[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.”

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Media Contacts: 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New COVID-19 information website available; County health alert levels reassessed

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Southwest District Health is excited to announce a new COVID-19 information website available at  https://ahealthiersouthwestidaho.org/. This new website is a one-stop source for all of the districts’ COVID-19 information, both in English and Spanish. The site has helpful information about how to slow the spread of COVID-19, useful printables, and social media graphics for anyone to download and use, helpful videos that can be shared with anyone, and our full FAQ page with common questions and answers about COVID-19. While it is a large source of information, we will be continuously adding to the site, keeping all the information as up to date as possible.

Southwest District Health staff continue to notice an upward trend in district-wide incidence rates. Daily incidence rates continue to edge up across the majority of the district. As of October 7, 2020, the daily district-wide incident rate per 10,000 is 2.06. This number is up from 1.92 per 10,000 on September 23, 2020. During the weekly reassessment of health alert levels based on data available for September 27, 2020 – October 10, 2020, Gem County was moved from the orange health alert level to the yellow health alert level. Owyhee County moved from the gray health alert level to the yellow health alert level.

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

ADAMS COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Gray

Adams County will remain in the gray health alert level, with only two new cases of COVID-19 reported between September 27, 2020 and October 10, 2020. Because there are only two new cases in Adams County for this date range, the Adams County dashboard will be unavailable on the SWDH website. 

CANYON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange

Canyon County will remain in the orange health alert level, with a slightly increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate^[1], an increasing rate of cluster outbreaks, and stability in Canyon County healthcare systems. Canyon County has a daily incidence rate of 1.98 daily new cases per 10,000 people which is trending up. Only 60% of COVID-19 cases have reported knowing where they were exposed, which is trending up but still points to sustained community spread. SWDH investigators are continuing to see cases exposed through out of state travel. Eight congregate living facilities are seeing cluster outbreaks^[2]. Additionally, multiple schools in Canyon County are reporting an outbreak or transmission within the school.

GEM COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Yellow

Gem County will move to the yellow health alert level, due to a decreasing incidence rate, low positivity rate, and decreased frequency of cluster outbreaks. Gem County currently has a daily incidence rate of 1.38 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing. Three congregate care facilities in Gem County are facing sustained COVID-19 outbreaks. 83.3% of new cases that were contacted knew where they were exposed to COVID-19, which is trending up but still points to sustained community transmission. One school is reporting a cluster outbreak with transmission occurring within the school.

OWYHEE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Yellow

Owyhee County will move to the yellow health alert level, due to an increasing COVID-19 daily incidence rate and evidence of community spread. Owyhee County currently has a daily incidence rate of 1.21 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is increasing. SWDH epidemiologists are seeing cluster outbreaks as a result of workplace and household exposure, as well as some out of state travel. Only 66.67% of cases report knowing where they were exposed to COVID-19, which points to sustained community spread. There was one sporadic, imported case of COVID-19 within Owyhee County schools during the two-week date range.

PAYETTE COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Red

Payette County is to remain in the red health alert level, due to a high COVID-19 daily incidence rate, as well as evidence of a high positivity rate. Payette County has a daily incidence rate of 3.79 daily new cases per 10,000 people which decreased slightly but is still very high. Only 53.91% of confirmed cases know where they were exposed to COVID-19, which in decreasing and points to sustained community spread. SWDH epidemiologists are concerned by cluster outbreaks from essential gatherings such as local workplace settings and household clusters. Payette County has a test positivity rate of 13.49%, which is increasing and was a major factor in determining this week’s alert level. Multiple Payette County schools are seeing sporadic, isolated cases with no transmission occurring within schools. Newly implemented measures, by some Payette County schools, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are encouraging steps to help in-person learning continue safely.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Health Alert Level: Orange

Washington County will remain in the orange health alert level, due to a high daily incidence rate and a high positivity rate. Washington County currently has a daily incidence rate of 2.88 daily cases per 10,000 people, which is decreasing. The positivity rate for Washington County is 11.97%, which is decreasing but still much higher than we would like to see. Washington County schools are currently seeing sporadic, imported cases with transmission occurring within one school.

SCHOOL DATA

Southwest District Health will begin to release information on the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases within each school district broken downby staff and students.

The following information is available as of October 15, 2020:

Adams:  Quarantine:  0
Canyon:  Isolation:  30, Quarantine:  198
Gem:  Isolation:  0, Quarantine:  29
Owyhee:  Isolation:  1, Quarantine:  12
Payette:  Isolation:  12, Quarantine:  39
Washington:  Isolation:  3,  Quarantine:  7

Total:  Isolation:  46  Quarantine:  285

The number quarantined is reflective of the number of staff and students currently in quarantine 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.

The isolation cases represent those who are currently positive for COVID-19. Also, those who are in isolation are asked to isolate away from others for a minimum of 10 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.

[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.”

# # #

Media Contacts: 

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