Daily averages of COVID-19 cases in some Idaho health districts have tripled, according to a news release from Public Health – Idaho North Central District. Surges in PH-INCD have resulted in backlogs for the teams contacting people who test positive and their close contacts.
This backlog means more people are not receiving calls from PH-INCD, the news release stated, so the district is encouraging community members to take precautions to protect themselves and others.
“We are doing our best to keep up with the demand, including working overtime, but with the drastic increase in positive cases in such a short time, we need the help of the public to slow the spread,” PH-INCD Director Carol Moehrle said.
The news release states those waiting for a test result should stay home and away from other members of the household when possible while watching for symptoms of COVID-19, which may take from two days to two weeks to appear.
People who test positive should stay home for at least 10 days from the start of symptoms, or from their test date if they are asymptomatic. The department encourages getting rest, staying hydrated, staying in contact with a healthcare provider and contacting the people they have had close contact with so others know about the diagnosis.
As of this morning, PH-INCD last updated its COVID-19 case page Nov. 6. This update reports 2,903 confirmed and 196 probable cases of COVID-19 throughout the district. Of these cases, 118 were reported on Nov. 6. There have been 30 COVID-19-related deaths in the district.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]