Community COVID-19 transmission identified in Elmore County; case count increases to eight

ELMORE COUNTY – Central District Health (CDH) confirms additional cases of COVID-19 in Elmore County, putting to-date totals at eight cases. Through follow-up investigations, CDH has identified evidence of community transmission. Community transmission is defined as illness within a community that lacks connection to travel or other confirmed cases. While follow-up investigations of the Elmore County cases are ongoing, no individuals to-date have required hospitalization.

The first Elmore County case was identified on Wednesday, March 30.

With community transmission now identified in both Ada and Elmore Counties, which see frequent cross-county travel, it is more important than ever that people follow public health recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

CDH recommends that everyone:

· Follow the statewide Stay-Home Order

· Practice social distancing: avoid crowds, maintain at least 6 feet from others

· Stay home if you are sick, even if symptoms are mild

· Only leave your home for “essential activities” or to work for an “essential business”

· Wash your hands frequently

· Use drive through and delivery services for everyday errands where possible

· Persons at increased risk of severe illness should consider sheltering in place

· Do not host or attend any gatherings

· Limit unnecessary travel

· Persons with recent travel to an area having widespread community transmission or a shelter in place order should shelter in place at home until 14 days after return

· Create a plan for how to safely care for a household member if they become ill

COVID-19 case counts for CDH’s four-county jurisdiction of Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties, are updated weekdays by 5 pm, unless otherwise indicated, at https://www.cdh.idaho.gov/dac-coronavirus.

Community COVID-19 Resources

Central District Health continues to offer a COVID-19 call center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 208-321-2222.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare offers a resource hotline for people feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or distress because of COVID-19. The hotline is available 24/7 at 888-330-3010.

Please refer to https://www.cdh.idaho.gov/dac-coronavirus for the latest local numbers and https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ for statewide information.