Coronavirus trendline, 1.29.21: Another big dropoff in new cases – Idaho EdNews

Coronavirus case numbers continued to slow this week, nearing a four-month low.

On Friday afternoon, the state and its seven health districts reported 162,455 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases, a 2.2 percent increase from last week.

The weeks 3,499 new cases dipped below the 4,000 mark for the first time since early October.

The continued decrease in case numbers comes as Gov. Brad Little and the Legislature continue a Statehouse tug of war over coronavirus response and governing powers. Legislators have floated several proposals to lift the states 10-month-old coronavirus emergency order and this week, the House passed a proposal to rescind Littles limits on public gatherings, including spectators at school sporting events. Removing the emergency order could disrupt Idahos coronavirus vaccine rollout, Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen said Tuesday.

In other coronavirus headlines:

Ybarra proposal draws fire. State superintendent Sherri Ybarra is working on a bill that would prioritize in-person instruction, except in an emergency. The Legislature hasnt heard the bill yet, but some superintendents are already pushing back, calling it an affront to local control.

Streamlining the vaccine process. Little issued an executive order Thursday requiring medical providers to better report on coronavirus vaccination rates and vaccine inventories. The move comes as K-12 teachers and staff continue to receive vaccines, and as Idahoans over the age of 65 can begin signing up for shots.

MIS-C cases. Health and Welfare reported an additional seven cases of a rare disorder, associated with COVID-19. In all, 16 Idahoans have been diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C. The patients, ranging in age from 3 to 16 years old, were all hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

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

Weekly positive test rate, as reported by the state: 8.3 percent for week ending Jan. 23, down 2.5 percentage points from the week ending Jan. 16.

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, 1.29.21: Another big dropoff in new cases - Idaho EdNews