On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported 458 new cases and 11 new deaths. That puts the statewide total at 166,553 known cases and 1,791 deaths.

The COVID-19 test positivity rate dropped to about 7 percent by the end of January. That’s about what the rate was in the middle of last September, after a high of 19.1 percent positive last November.

Because of the declining numbers and more teachers being vaccinated, a number of Idaho school districts are returning to in-person learning.

The West Ada School District could return students grades 6 to 12 almost full time on March 30th. The Pocatello-Chubbuck School District will return all of its students to class on March 1st. Boise, Idaho Falls and Bonneville school districts are also considering their own re-opening dates.