COVID-19 Update: December 17, 2021

The state has recorded 1,000 COVID-19 deaths in long term care facilities, meaning that roughly one in every four documented COVID deaths in Idaho has occurred in assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes. Because of high vaccination rates in older Idahoans, the mortality rate in these facilities has decreased by half since last year, when vaccines weren’t available. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare stresses the need for boosters in adults of all ages. The test positivity rate has dropped slightly to 6.5 percent, from 7.3 percent last week. That varies by region, ranging from 11.1 percent in East Idaho Public Health District to 5.3 percent in Central District Health. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions have plateaued statewide, though are still higher than public health officials would like to see. The Panhandle Health District remains under crisis standards of care.