More than 19,000 Idahoans have now been tested for COVID-19

IDAHO FALLS — The number of COVID-19 tests completed in Idaho rose significantly this week.

More than 19,000 Idahoans have now been tested, with about 10 percent of those actually being infected with the novel coronavirus since mid-March.

Health officials said Wednesday that 867 people have now lived at least 30 days since initial infection, and are presumed recovered. The death toll has stayed the same since Wednesday when it landed on 54.

All of the deaths have been in western and central Idaho.

At the moment, 168 cases have required hospitalization, and most of those patients have or are expected to recover, according to state health officials.

Sixty-five cases have been reported in eastern Idaho, according to Eastern Idaho Public Health District and Southeast Idaho Public Health District. However, a significant number of these cases are among those who have lived past 30 days.

On Friday, EIPD reported its first case in Lemhi County. A woman in her 40s is assumed to have received the virus through community spread. She was not hospitalized.

COMPARE WITH WEDNESDAY’s NUMBERS HERE

The number of COVID-19 tests available in Idaho continues to grow daily. However, public health officials continue to warn that due to initial testing limitations, the actual number of coronavirus cases may be much higher than is being reported.

EIPH says it’s more important than ever to follow the recommendations and directions of federal, state and local health officials, including the following:

• Following the stay-home order, which was announced by Gov. Brad Little on March 25 and was extended through April 30. A copy of the order can be found at www.EIPH.Idaho.gov.
• Practicing social-distancing (maintaining at least 6 feet between individuals), avoiding crowds of any number, and eliminating all non-essential travel, as detailed in the order.
• Staying home when sick even if your symptoms are mild. A symptom-monitoring checklist and decision tree was recently developed to help individuals and employers determine what they should do if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been primarily or secondarily exposed to a person with COVID-19 symptoms. A copy of these documents can be found at www.EIPH.Idaho.gov. This monitoring tool can be used daily by everyone to assess their health during this pandemic.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• People with an increased risk of severe illness (older adults and those with underlying health conditions) should take extra precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19.

For questions, guidance, and information about COVID-19, visit EIPH’s website at www.EIPH.Idaho.gov or call the hotline number at (208) 522-0310 or (855) 533-3160 (toll free). The hotline is active Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has also started a statewide hotline. It can be reached by calling 888-330-3010, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See eastidahonews.com/outbreak for national numbers.