coronavirus
Our newsroom is determined to provide you with the most recent and relevant information available on how the coronavirus is impacting our schools, communities and state. We will try daily to get updates and answers from state and school leaders.
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Across the board, a week of grim coronavirus numbers
Hospitalizations and ICU admissions surged to new pandemic peaks — as hospitals prepare to ration care. Child case numbers continue to climb. The state also reported a record weekly number of new deaths.
Boise State ramps up stadium COVID protocols
Boise State University students will have to show proof of COVID vaccination, or proof of a negative COVID test, in order to attend Saturday’s football game at Albertsons Stadium. The rules are expected to extend to all fans for the Oct. 2 home game.
Principal makes masks mandatory, bucking district policy
“Victor Elementary is my family, and I’m watching them crumble in front of me,” principal Megan Christiansen wrote in an impassioned letter to parents and staff Thursday.
Analysis: State leaders sound tired, at the worst possible time
As Idaho hospitals face an unprecedented calamity, the consistent message to voluntarily get vaccinated and wear a mask is sounding weary — as if it is shouldering the weight of much of our collective COVID fatigue.
Victor Elementary closing due to increased absences
The rural East Idaho school is down seven staff members and has tallied at least 60 students absences between those quarantined and out sick — with COVID-19 and other ailments.
‘We cannot see a peak in sight;’ virus surge could force more health care rationing
During a media briefing Tuesday, health officials also talked about unmasked crowds at Boise State football games, and the $30 million COVID-19 school testing plan.
Coronavirus hospitalizations surge; new cases show signs of tapering
COVID-19 hospitalizations reached a record last week, as health officials say the state’s medical network is becoming overwhelmed. Here’s a closer look at the week’s pandemic numbers.
Little pledges $10 million to combat substitute teacher shortages
The money comes with another targeted remedy: paid time off for Idaho’s executive branch agency employees to work as subs.
Analysis: Idaho faces a sudden, unsurprising surge in K-12 coronavirus cases
It’s fair to ask if state officials and educators were slow to see the looming threat of the delta variant. But what state leaders say now might be even more important.
West Ada sees small increase in mask opt-out numbers for students
The opt-out rates among West Ada schools vary widely, with some above 50% and others below 20%. INSIDE: school-by-school rates.