Coronavirus trendline, 1.15.21: Case numbers, and other metrics, show signs of improvement – Idaho EdNews

Coronavirus case numbers slowed this week, and other key metrics showed signs of improvement.

Since Saturday, the state averaged 881 cases per day down from 1,031 cases per day in a six-day period after New Years Day.

Fridays bottom line: The state and its health districts are reporting 154,663 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases statewide, a 4 percent increase over the past week.

Other key numbers:

In other coronavirus headlines from the week:

Vaccinations for K-12 employees. In a big development, the state of Idaho reworked its vaccination schedule, opening the door to the states K-12 teachers and employees. The health of our teachers is paramount to ensuring students can learn in the classroom where they deserve to be, Gov. Brad Little said Tuesday, as he announced the move.

Summer reading program? In his State of the State address Monday, Little laid out an ambitious plan for tax cuts and transportation funding. His education proposals didnt break a lot of new ground. But he did propose $20 million for summer reading programs to help students who have fallen behind during the pandemic.

Back to school in Boise. The Boise School District will reopen schools next week, with students alternating between in-person and online school days. Schools in the states second-largest district have been closed since November.

Here are this weeks numbers, and comparisons with the previous week:

Weekly positive test rate, as reported by the state: 11.4 percent for week ending Jan. 9; 15.7 percent for the week ending Jan. 2. Decrease: 4.3 percentage points.

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on KIVI 6 On Your Side; "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television; and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [emailprotected]

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Coronavirus trendline, 1.15.21: Case numbers, and other metrics, show signs of improvement - Idaho EdNews