41 COVID-19 tests administered, 0 confirmed cases
By Eric Valentine
The good news—at least for Idaho—is that the coronavirus outbreak apparently hasn’t touched down here, yet. The potentially anxiety-provoking news is the “yet” part of that sentence. And that’s why health officials and public organizations across the region are doing what they can to stay on top of the situation.
South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) has opened an information hotline for concerns about COVID-19, although no one in Idaho, as of press deadline Tuesday, has tested positive for the virus that has the planet scurrying to avoid pandemic. The hotline number—(208) 737-1138—is open to healthcare professionals, community leaders, and residents who have questions about COVID-19. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The SCPHD said it is not currently monitoring anyone for the disease. However, across the state 31 of the 41 people tested are still being monitored.
“There is no reason to panic over this virus,” said Melody Bowyer, SCPHD director. “We are well equipped to investigate and respond to any cases in our region. In the meantime, we want to make sure the public has plenty of access to accurate and factual information so they can take steps to protect their family from getting sick.”
An Ounce Of Prevention, A Pound Of Cure
Although the Wood River Valley is not a densely populated urban center, a small population currently still huddling up in winter makes disease easily communicable. So it’s not hard to find organizations taking clear and immediate precautions.
At Friedman Memorial Airport, Airport Manager Chris Pomeroy says hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout the airport and that janitorial crews have increased cleanings of the public use areas, among several other preventive measures. Airport management staff members are encouraged to stay home if they are not feeling well, he added.
“To this point, the airlines have indicated there has been no notable reduction in passengers attributable to the virus,” Pomeroy said, although nationally that’s not the case.
Idaho Senator Jim Risch released a statement this week stating his vigilance toward coronavirus.
“I voted in support of supplemental funding to combat COVID-19. I have also requested the White House make more coronavirus test kits available to the State of Idaho,” Risch said.
At the state level, Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Department of Insurance have stepped up efforts, too. While other states mandated the waiving of the co-pay costs associated with COVID-19 testing, Idaho health insurance carriers voluntarily took this action. The specific Idaho carriers waiving co-sharing are: Blue Cross, Regence, SelectHealth, Pacific Source, and Mountain Health Co-Op.
“We are in full support of Governor Little’s initiative to protect Idahoans in preparations for the coronavirus,” Dean Cameron, insurance department director, said. “We are thankful there are currently no reported cases in Idaho, and we commend our health insurance carriers for their compassion and assistance for Idaho families in waiving co-sharing.”
And at Blaine County School District, leadership issued a statement helping parents understand the measures being taken at schools.
“Our three school nurses are in close contact with SCPHD and have reviewed and updated BCSD’s communicable disease protocols. Additionally, BCSD is prepared with contingency plans if school closures become necessary,” the district said. “The most important thing that staff, students, and families can do is to continue following guidelines for staying healthy.”
What About Fun?
Over the weekend, when South by Southwest announced it would be cancelling its annual music/film/everything festival in Austin, Texas, planners for the Sun Valley Film Festival—as well as the Treefort Music Festival in Boise—publicly announced their intentions for the show to go on.
The film festival released its prevention game plan, too:
“In accordance with CDC recommendations, we will also add stations, including sinks with soap, hand sanitizers, tissues for event staff and participants; increase the frequency of cleaning high-traffic areas, such as doorknobs, railings, bathrooms, and tables at our venues; wipe surfaces with products that are effective against common disease-causing organisms; and sanitize all mics in between panels and talks,” SVFF planners said.
