Gov. Brad Little announced the state will remain in Stage 4 for another two weeks because statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations are too high during a Sept. 3 press conference. Little said he does not classify staying in Stage 4 as a failure.
“Statewide, our numbers and metrics are looking pretty good,” Little said. “In fact, even in many of the hot spots we are seeing encouraging trends. But that is not a reason to let our guard down. As we approach fall, the opportunity for community spread will increase.”
While State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said case rates are declining, the test positivity rate is just over 8% statewide. Hahn said the government is concerned about whether the downward trend will continue as flu season approaches and individuals move indoors, two factors which could increase the chances for transmission of COVID-19.
Little urged Idahoans to get their flu shots and ramp up their personal actions to prevent the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu.
This article has been edited to correct how long Idaho has been in Stage Four of Idaho Rebounds.
Evelyn Avitia can be reached at [email protected].