BOISE, Idaho — For the most recent daily updates, click here.
We're closely tracking Idaho's number of deaths and cases of the novel coronavirus as well as what's happening as COVID-19 continues to spread in Idaho.
We have multiple graphs and timelines looking at the coronavirus case trends in Idaho, including a graph showing a 14-day average that the State of Idaho has been tracking to determine the appropriate reopening stage.
How we track Idaho COVID-19 cases:
Every day, KTVB works diligently to ensure we are providing the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 cases in Idaho. We track our numbers the same way the Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare does. However, we update our total number more frequently, meaning our numbers may not always match with the state.
The state updates the number of total cases every day around 5 p.m.
KTVB updates our running total once the state and local health districts have confirmed their total number of cases. See more details about how we track regional numbers ahead of the state releasing them here.
Terminology:
- "Recoveries" are tracked by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The state says it "Is defined as the number of persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who are alive 30 days post-onset (or referral date if onset is not available) based upon total cases, deaths, and any clinical info available."
- "Confirmed" cases refer to a person who was tested for COVID-19 and tested positive.
- "Probable" cases refer to a person who is exhibiting symptoms after coming in contact with a person who has a confirmed case. Though a probable case is not confirmed, the state will monitor the person for symptoms.
- "Total cases" refers to the number of confirmed and probable cases combined. We will always clarify how many of the total cases are confirmed and how many are probable in our daily updates.
Saturday, August 22
5:12 p.m.- Idaho approaching 30,000 total cases; 1 death reported Saturday
Idaho is currently reporting 29,662 total cases. 293 new cases were confirmed on Saturday, bringing the statewide total of confirmed cases to 27,637. An additional 27 probable cases were reported.
Only one death was reported in Canyon County on Saturday, according to the state. Idaho's death toll now sits at 306.
Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare also estimates 12,606 people have recovered from the virus since the pandemic began.
Friday, August 21
5:37 p.m. - Idaho's death toll from COVID-19 surpasses 300
The Gem State reported 264 confirmed and seven probable cases of the coronavirus on Friday. Idaho's total number of confirmed cases is now 27,421 confirmed cases and there 29,359 confirmed and probable cases.
Seven new deaths were reported, all of which were in Ada County. The deaths put the state's death toll at 305.
2:40 p.m. - Gov. Little announces that Idaho will remain in Stage 4 for two more weeks
Idaho's governor said Friday that the state will remain in Stage 4 of coronavirus restrictions for at least two more weeks. The news came after Idaho failed to meet the benchmark of eight hospitalizations or fewer per day for COVID-19 symptoms.
Gov. Brad Little said he was encouraged by other metrics, which he said were trending downward or stabilizing. The governor also announced $2.5 million allocated to the Idaho Foodbank to help the nonprofit aid those who have lost work or are struggling financially due to the pandemic.
Thursday, August 20
6:00 p.m. - Seven new deaths reported on Thursday; Ada County remains a hot spot for confirmed cases
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and local health districts reported seven coronavirus-related deaths statewide on Thursday. Canyon and Shoshone counties reported two each. Fremont, Gem and Kootenai each reported one death - Fremont's first recorded coronavirus-related death.
The statewide death toll since the beginning of the pandemic now stands at 298.
Ada County added the highest number of confirmed cases on Thursday at 117. Canyon County reported 43 new confirmed cases and Twin Falls County reported 23.
11:10 a.m. - Indian Creek Festival in Caldwell canceled
The City of Caldwell and Destination Caldwell have canceled the 18th annual Indian Creek Festival. The event was set to take place on Sept. 18 and 19, 2020.
The two-day event historically included several community competitions including a cardboard kayak race, rubber duck race and a car show. The festival drew 15,000 people to downtown Caldwell in 2019.
Currently, Southwest Districts Health's metrics rate Canyon County on the COVID-19 Health Alert Level as red or high.
"The health and well-being of our community is always our top priority and at this point in time, a mass gathering of citizens would be counterproductive," said Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas.
Wednesday, August 19
5:22 p.m. - Eight deaths reported on Wednesday; Ada County surpasses grim milestone
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and local health districts reported eight coronavirus-related deaths statewide on Wednesday. Four of the deaths occurred in Ada County while two each were in Shoshone and Bingham counties.
The statewide death toll since the beginning of the pandemic now stands at 291. More than a third of those deaths were in Ada County, which now has 102 deaths attributed to the coronavirus. The county surpassed the grim milestone of 100 this week.
Also on Wednesday, 342 new confirmed and 47 new probable cases were announced, bringing the statewide total of confirmed cases to 26,817. When combined with probable cases the total is 28,696.
Of the new cases, Canyon County had the most with 86, followed by Ada County with 81 and Payette County with 27.
Idaho is currently seeing a 14-day average of 431 daily cases. That's down from the peak 14-day average of 524 in late July (see the graphs below).
The state has also released new hospitalization data. As of Monday, 205 people were hospitalized statewide with COVID-19. Of those patients, 43 of them were in the ICU.
For a closer look at the numbers throughout Idaho, including a county-by-county breakdown, check out our interactive map and timelines.
At KTVB, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: www.ktvb.com/coronavirus.
Facts not fear: More on coronavirus
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