COVID-19: Idaho postive test rate among highest in nation

Idaho nursing homes lack adequate PPE supplies

Idaho’s positive COVID-19 test percentage is among the highest in the nation, according to new data.

Using data from Johns Hopkins University, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) compiled a state-by-state breakdown of the positive COVID-19 test rate.

In Idaho, the seven-day positive test percentage is 17.6% — the fifth-highest rate in the nation, lower only than Arizona, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama.

Panhandle Health District reported Monday that the total number of COVID-19 cases in the five northern counties stands at 1,928, with 93 new cases since Friday. Twenty-five people are hospitalized at Kootenai Health due to COVID-19, with six in critical condition.

The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the Panhandle Health District is 14 as of Monday.

Since July 26, there are 33 states with a positive test rate over five percent, including Washington (5.2%) and Oregon (5.1%). Montana’s seven-day positive test rate is 4.2%.

There are 82 nursing homes in Idaho. According to the data from AHCA/NCAL, which represents more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living facilities, 23% of Idaho nursing homes do not have a one-week supply of N95 masks, while eight percent do not have a one-week supply of surgical masks or gowns.

“The continued shortage of vital PPE supplies for nursing homes across the U.S. is a major concern, especially for states with recent spikes in new COVID cases,” said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO, American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.