Hospital officials continue to implore Idahoans to get vaccinated as healthcare facilities are overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. Staffing is stretched thin in hospitals throughout the state, and in the last week, the state has recorded more than 50 COVID-19 deaths, including multiple patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

Nearly every ICU patient in Idaho is unvaccinated. But vaccine uptake is slowly rising, and this week, Idaho surpassed 1.5 million administered doses of the vaccine. 49 percent of eligible Idahoans ages 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

Currently, the highest seven-day rolling average case rates are in north central Idaho, southwest Idaho, and Magic Valley. The statewide test positivity rate has risen to 14.2 percent.

On Thursday, Idaho Reports is airing a second special on the statewide hospital crisis. The program will feature hospital representatives from around the state, and airs at 8 pm September 9th on Idaho Public Television.