Lemhi County Transitions into MODERATE RISK Level
August 17, 2020
On Thursday, August 13th, 2020 Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) issued an Order of Restriction moving Lemhi County into MODERATE RISK category,
“The rate of COVID-19 infections reported to Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) for Lemhi County, Idaho, has exceeded the established threshold of 15/10,000 for three consecutive days in accordance with EIPH's COVID-19 Regional Response Plan, which outlines restrictions for slowing the spread of COVID-19.”
The order mandates the following:
- Space requirements for social gatherings (28 sq ft/person)
- Face coverings in public places
The following are recommendations:
- Vulnerable populations (older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions) take extra precautions
- Telework where possible and feasible with business operations
- Minimizing non-essential travel
- Congregate living facilities (long term care, nursing homes, correctional facilities, etc.) to implement strict health policies for staff and visitors to avoid potential outbreaks
- Schools should implement strategies in response to these guidelines and those of Idaho Back to School Framework 2020
Lemhi County continues to see an increase in the number of active cases that are above the Moderate Level. Steele Memorial Medical Center urges the community to come together and collectively help slow the spread of the virus..
With a high number of active cases in Lemhi County, there is potential to over burden our local healthcare facilities and also our regional healthcare facilities. Slowing the spread and reducing the number of active cases will help the community get back to a minimal risk level with fewer restrictions.
“We all have ownership in slowing the spread. Let’s come together and do our part by wearing a mask, washing hands, staying home when sick, and avoiding high risk areas. Together we will get through this”, says Jeanie Gentry, CEO
In order for Lemhi County to move off this level of restriction there will need to have fewer than 12 active cases in the county for seven days in a row. The most up to date information on active cases can be viewed at the EIPH website at https://eiph.idaho.gov/.
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management has just implemented a new service to support those who have concerns about Covid-19. Their website states the following: “To access the COVID Help Now Line, Call or Text (986) 867-1073 or call Toll Free (866) 947-5186 to speak to a representative. COVID Help Now Line is staffed from 8am to 8pm Mountain Time, 7 days a week. Callers may also leave a message during off hours and receive a return call the following day. Responders do not classify, label, or diagnose people and no records or case files are kept. We are here to listen, and here to help.”
“The stress of this Covid situation has been real for all of us, whether we have been tested positive or not,” stated Gentry. “This resource is there as a crisis line to listen to concerns and help people with all sorts of issues right now. Please share this with your friends and neighbors.”
