'Extremely alarming'

Idaho could see up to 30,000 new cases of the coronavirus per week and 2,500 hospitalizations each week by mid-October, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Health officials said the state is going in the “wrong direction” with COVID-19 and it's raising fears about the toll it is taking on the health care system.

“We continue to be extremely alarmed by the increasing trends we’re seeing in Idaho,” said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, administrator for the Division of Public Health, during a press conference Tuesday.

Dr. Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist, called it “very discouraging news for us all.”

The latest projections for new cases are based on different models that take into account Idaho’s low vaccination rates and high transmissibility.

Shaw-Tulloch said the state's new case count figures, with 904 new cases Tuesday, are closer to what they saw in November and December, when it reached a high of nearly 2,300 in a single day.

The Panhandle Health District reported 227 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, the highest single-day count since Jan. 12.

Kootenai Health reported it had 87 COVID-19 patients, with 34 requiring critical care. That’s the most since late-December.

Shaw-Tulloch called it “very concerning” the state was seeing such a dramatic increase before schools have reopened, and with fairs and concerts going on.

But she said there are solutions, such as wearing facemasks in public, maintaining social distancing and getting vaccinated.

Idaho residents, however, have not stormed the gates to get a vaccine. Only 38% of those 12 and older in the PHD are fully vaccinated, well below the national average of 58%.

In Kootenai County, 44% of those 12 and older have received at least one dose, also well below the national average of 65%.

ABC News reported that every state now has at least 50% of the eligible population 12 years and older with at least one vaccine dose.

“The bottom line is, we need more Idahoans to take action now and get vaccinated,” Shaw-Tulloch said.

Even those who are fully vaccinated are being urged to get another shot.

The PHD on Tuesday said it encourages those with weakened immune systems who have already received two doses of one of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) to get an extra dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after their second dose.

PHD said the third dose was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“That’s an important dose for the folks who want to make sure they’re well protected,” Hahn said.

Dr. Kathryn Turner, deputy state epidemiologist, said hospitals across the state are short of staff, in some cases by the hundreds, while seeing an influx of coronavirus patients. That combination has led many to delay elective procedures and stressed health providers and resources.

Currently, Kootenai Health has about 565 open positions with a staff of about 3,600. Open positions include 183 clinical, bed-side care provider positions as well as staff for outpatient clinics and support functions such as housekeeping and nutrition services.

Danny Klocko, Kootenai Health’s chief human resources officer, said 135 of these positions are new at Kootenai Health due to increasing volume related to community growth.

State health officials said they are seeking federal assistance and resources, but don't have high hopes because they're competing with several other states.

More patients statewide, 65, are requiring ventilators, too.

“The cases are very severe,” Turner said.

This latest surge of the virus is attributed by health officials to the more contagious Delta variant and as things stand, indicators are the surge won't be stopping soon.

“It looks like it could be a very grim winter for us,” Turner said. “At least a grim fall.”

U.S. health authorities are expected today to recommend an extra dose of the vaccine for all Americans eight months after they get their second shot, according to the Associated Press.

Hahn said that a month ago, CDC released a statement saying there was no need for a booster shot, so she was surprised at this latest report.

“Things are changing all the time,” she said.

Despite the possible recommendation of another shot for healthy, vaccinated people, Shaw-Tulloch said the data is strong that vaccines work.

Health officials said even those fully vaccinated should wear face coverings in public.

“Things are not back to normal,” Shaw-Tulloch said.