On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 1,429 new cases and 31 deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 104,734 known cases and 991 deaths. Today is the second day in a row that DHW has reported over 30 deaths.

At the Central District Health Board meeting yesterday, the message was that Ada County is on the verge of a public health crisis. The board will meet on Friday to consider a draft health order for Ada, Elmore, Boise, and Valley counties. Those orders could include mask mandates in public, limiting capacity for bars and restaurants, and directing businesses to use curbside and takeout services. If passed, the orders would be enforceable as a misdemeanor if residents don’t comply.