On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 314 new cases and no new deaths. That brings the statewide total to 168,953 known cases and 1,826 deaths.

Health officials have confirmed the first case of the South African variant of the coronavirus in Idaho. The case is a man living in southwest Idaho who had been traveling internationally. The South African variant is more contagious and vaccines may not

work quite as well against it.

Central District Health officials dropped mask requirements in Ada and Valley counties today, but masks are still mandatory in public spaces within the City of Boise. Mayor Lauren McLean continued the city’s mask order this afternoon.