SIPH declares 6 counties at high-risk level for COVID-19
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - COVID-19 cases in Southeast Idaho is on the rise.
As of Thursday, Southeastern Idaho Public Health announced they have had 5,438 cases to date. There are currently 1,012 active cases in Southeast Idaho.
Bannock, Bingham, Butte, Caribou, Franklin and Power County were all declared to be at the orange (high) risk level. Bear Lake and Oneida County registered at the yellow (moderate) risk level.
“I support our Board’s decision to act, based upon data, to enact recommendations for measures intended to protect the health of their communities,” said Maggie Mann, Southeastern Idaho Public Health District
Director. “No matter the risk category, we urge all residents to take Precautions to slow the spread of COVID19. This includes practicing physical distancing of at least 6 feet, wearing a mask when interacting with others outside your household, washing hands frequently, sanitizing commonly touched surfaces regularly, and isolating immediately if you begin showing symptoms of any virus.”
34 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 throughout the eight counties. The Board says they are happy that the number has declined within the past week.
378,214 people have been tested for COVID-19 in the state of Idaho. Of those tests, 62,197 people tested positive for the virus.
According the SIPH Regional Response Plan counties (Bannock, Bingham, Caribou, Butte, Franklin & Power) under the high-risk category, should follow the follow additional guidelines, which are recommended but not
mandated:
• Strongly recommend and advise face coverings when in public
• Limit gatherings to no more than 50 people
• Encourage vulnerable populations (elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions) to selfisolate
• Strongly encourage telework for those that are able
• Limiting travel/visitors to the region as well as travel within the State to areas with high rates of spread
• Congregate living facilities closed to visitors and extra precautions implemented for employees
• Businesses implement delivery/curb-side services as much as possible
• Places of worship implement virtual services where possible
• Discontinue youth and adult sports/activities in which physical distancing is not possible
• Consider industry-specific measures/restrictions
• Schools should implement plans in response to these guidelines and those of Idaho Back to School Framework 2020
Counties (Bear Lake & Oneida) under the Moderate-risk category, should follow the following guidelines, which are recommended but not mandated:
• Strongly recommend and advise the use of face coverings when in public
• Vulnerable populations (elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions) take extra precautions
• Telework where possible and feasible with business operations
• Minimize non-essential travel
• Congregate living facilities (long term care, nursing homes, correctional facilities, etc.) to implement
strict health policies for staff and visitors to avoid potential outbreaks
• Schools should implement plans in response to these guidelines and those of the Idaho Back to School Framework 2020
To review SIPH’s Regional Response plan, click HERE.
