COVID-19 numbers grow in eastern Idaho; vaccine offering hope
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IDAHO FALLS — As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, Idahoans hope to soon see relief now that the vaccine has arrived in the Gem State.
Eastern Idaho Public Health had 113 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, bringing the total of confirmed and probable cases to 18,448. There have been 148 deaths and there are currently 785 active cases. So far, 17,515 people have recovered from the virus.
A case is considered probable if a person has not been tested, or a test is pending, and the person has all the symptoms of COVID-19, has come into direct contact with an infected person, and developed symptoms within the expected timeframe.
On Thursday, Southeastern Idaho Public Health tallied 107 new COVID-19 cases for a total of 11,694 cases, including confirmed and probable. The district has also reported deaths in the triple digits with 114. There are currently 1,113 active cases remaining and 10,581 people who have recovered.
The total COVID-19 death toll in eastern Idaho is 262.
Statewide, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reports 126,878 total cases with 49,318 people estimated to have recovered and 1,259 deaths. The majority of deaths are in people 80 years old and older.
Despite the growing number of deaths, recoveries still far exceed those that die. COVID-19 has an extremely high recovery rate and the vast majority of people who catch the virus will recover at home with no problems.
IDHW reminds Idahoans to help slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Keep at least six feet between you and others in public
- Wear face coverings in public places
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash your hands often
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Disinfect surfaces and objects regularly
COVID-19 vaccine in Idaho
This week, the COVID-19 vaccine landed in Idaho and doses have already begun to be administered to healthcare workers.
IDHW reports that 944 vaccines have been given up to this point. The organization said in a news release that by the end of the week, the state expects to have received all or most of its initial allotment of 13,650 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.
IDHW said on Twitter Thursday that its allotment of the Pfizer vaccine for next week has been reduced from 17,550 to 9,750 doses.
“We don’t know why it was reduced,” the tweet states. “But our focus doesn’t change — healthcare workers will continue to receive the vaccine.”
Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center has reportedly received many calls from the general public inquiring about community vaccinations, when EIRMC will be offering vaccinations and how to get themselves and their loved ones on the list.
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and IDHW say hospital workers are to be vaccinated first. IDHW explains on their website that information about how to obtain a vaccine will be forthcoming.
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