For the second time in a week, Idaho has reported a one-day spike in COVID-19 deaths.
The state reported nine deaths due to the novel coronavirus. The previous one-day peak was eight deaths, reported July 15.
Seven of the nine deaths occurred in the Treasure Valley: five in Ada County and two in Canyon County. Blaine County reported one coronavirus death, its first since April 9, and Twin Falls reported one death.
In all, 135 Idahoans have died of COVID-19. The state and its seven health districts reported 16,397 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases Wednesday afternoon. This translates to a fatality rate of 0.8 percent.
The state and the health districts reported 507 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, a 3.2 percent daily increase. Most of the new cases occurred in some recurring hot spots: Ada (228 new cases), Canyon (105 new cases) and Kootenai County (51 new cases).
On Thursday, Gov. Brad Little is scheduled to hold a news conference to discuss Idaho’s reopening plans. Boise school trustees will hear from local health officials about the pandemic. And after canceling two meetings to discuss face mask mandates, Southwest District Health will meet Thursday morning to discuss a possible face mask recommendation, the Idaho Press reported.
The Southwest district includes Canyon County. Mask mandates are already in place in Ada and Bonneville counties.
