COVID-19 Community Transmission Detected in Owyhee County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COVID-19 Community Transmission Detected in Owyhee County
OWYHEE COUNTY, IDAHO – Southwest District Health (SWDH) has confirmed detection of community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 in Owyhee County. Community transmission, or community spread, is when public health professionals cannot specify an origin for an infection, such as tracing it to specific travel or contact with a specific individual.
The first Owyhee County COVID-19 case was announced on March 29, 2020. Currently, Owyhee County has eight (8) confirmed COVID-19 cases. Community spread has also been announced in Ada, Bingham, Bonneville, Blaine, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Jefferson, Jerome, Kootenai, Lemhi, Madison, Payette, Teton, and Twin Falls counties.
This means it is more important than ever for people to be aware the virus that causes COVID-19 is already circulating in these communities and to take the recommended precautions. Residents are encouraged to continue to wear cloth face coverings when leaving their home, follow social distancing guidelines, and practice good hand washing etiquette to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Community members showing symptoms of mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should call first before going to their medical provider’s office.
Residents who have questions may call the Southwest District Health COVID-19 call center at (208) 455-5411 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents may also call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-330-3010 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for questions regarding essential businesses, mental health, childcare, and small business loans.
COVID-19 case counts for the six-county region SWDH serves are available at https://swdh.id.gov/coronavirus and will be updated by 7 p.m. on weekdays unless otherwise noted. For Idaho information and guidance, please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/
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Media Contact:
Katrina Williams
Southwest District Health
Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov
(208) 455-5317 or (208) 899-1268