K-12 coronavirus cases approach a seven-month low

K-12 coronavirus case numbers fell sharply this week, tumbling to their lowest point in seven months.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported at least 61 K-12 cases for a seven-day period ending Sunday, compared to 117 cases the preceding week.

It’s the lowest number since the week ending Oct. 1, when Health and Welfare began the weekly coronavirus reports with a weekly count of at least 51 cases.

Several of the current hotspots were located in the Panhandle:

  • Lake City High School, Coeur d’Alene: Four cases.
  • Centennial High School, Boise: Three cases.
  • Meridian High School: Three cases.
  • Post Falls High School: Three cases.
  • Woodland Middle School, Coeur d’Alene: Three cases.

The weekly reports are a snapshot, and they’re incomplete.

Not every school reports its case numbers weekly. Health and Welfare does not release any case numbers from schools with fewer than 50 students, citing privacy concerns. In some cases, Health and Welfare provides only a minimum number of coronavirus cases for a school.

The highest case numbers for 2020-21, by school:

  • Lake City High School, Coeur d’Alene: 157 cases.
  • Thunder Ridge High School, Idaho Falls: 141 cases.
  • Hillcrest High School, Ammon: 132 cases.
  • Bonneville High School, Idaho Falls: 127 cases.
  • Eagle High School: At least 121 cases.
  • Coeur d’Alene High School: 112 cases.
  • Rocky Mountain Middle School, Idaho Falls: 105 cases.
  • Mountain View High School, Meridian: 101 cases.
  • Rocky Mountain High School, Meridian: 100 cases.
  • Meridian High School: 88 cases.
Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 35 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. He can be reached at [email protected]

Get EdNews in your inbox

Weekly round up every Friday