Panel calls for state mask mandate

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A state panel of medical experts are asking Idaho’s governor for a statewide mask mandate, hospitals are running out of space for COVID-19 patients and the week has been marked with record numbers of new cases and deaths.

So far, at least 671 Idaho residents have died from the coronavirus, and a record high of 1,290 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Wednesday alone, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, followed by 1,265 new cases Thursday. More than 69,500 Idaho residents have been confirmed to have the illness since the pandemic began.

Meanwhile, Idaho health officials have reported the first flu deaths of the season. Here, a look on developments in the coronavirus pandemic across Idaho:

For the full story, see this week's issue of the Mountain Home News.