COVID-19 Update: August 6, 2021

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare announced this week that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is now the most prominent variant in Idaho. Delta is nearly twice as transmissible as the original virus. Primary Health Medical Group reported a test positivity rate of 20% while Saint Alphonsus reported a test positivity rate of 17% on Wednesday. The state’s goal was to be below 5%. With the rise of Delta infections in Idaho, experts say childhood coronavirus infections have substantially increased in the state. Children ages 0 to 4 have seen a 200% increase in the number of infections over the last two weeks. There is not yet a vaccine approved for children younger than 12, and the CDC recently recommended that schools mandate masks be worn regardless of vaccination status. The Boise School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday announced masks would be required for students and staff in the next school year, regardless of vaccination status. Idaho does have COVID-19 vaccine doses widely available and health experts are seeing vaccination rates increase. Idaho just passed the benchmark of 50% of people 12 and older getting at least a first dose.