This week, Beth Oppenheimer, Executive Director for the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, and Boise School District Trustee, joins us to discuss the current landscape for childcare providers and educators in Idaho. Then, Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill discusses legislative working groups created in response to Gov. Brad Little’s COVID-19 emergency declaration.

Governor Brad Little press conference regarding public health districts, and Idaho remaining in Stage 4 for an additional two weeks.

"Although increased COVID-19 spread is occurring in Ada, Canyon, Twin Falls, Bonneville, and Kootenai counties, some parts of Idaho still have no confirmed cases and no community spread of the disease, making the local approach to decision making appropriate at this time," said a press release from the governor's office.

On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 500 new COVID-19 cases and nine new deaths to its count. That brings the statewide total to 16,322 cases and 135 deaths. Ada County reported five deaths to the state, while Canyon County reported two, and Blaine and Jerome each reported one. Ada, Canyon, and Kootenai Counties continue to report the highest number of new cases.

On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 414 new cases and three new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 16,736 cases and 138 deaths. Ada County reported two deaths, while Canyon County reported one. Canyon County currently has the fastest growing rate of infection in the state, and the second highest case rate and number of cases overall.

On Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 556 new COVID-19 cases and four new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 15,822 cases and 126 deaths. The majority of Tuesday’s cases came from Ada, Canyon and Kootenai Counties, with a number reported in eastern Idaho as well.

On Monday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 393 new cases and three new deaths to its statewide total. That’s in addition to the 1,121 new cases added over the weekend. That brings the statewide total to 15,266 cases and 122 deaths.

This week, Dr. Steven Nemerson of St. Alphonsus joins us to discuss the science behind mask use in combating the spread of COVID-19, and whether it’s too late for us to stop the momentum of rising cases. Then, Audrey Dutton of the Idaho Statesman joins us to talk about hospital capacity, and how the state’s ability to track that has changed.

On Friday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 619 new COVID-19 cases and four new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 13,752 cases and 118 deaths. Those deaths were in Canyon and Ada Counties. So far this week, Ada County has added 1,376 cases, by far the most in the state.

On Thursday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 688 new COVID-19 cases and four new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 13,133 cases and 114 deaths.

Valley County has reported its first death. Two additional deaths came from Ada County, and one from Canyon County. The state has also recorded its first death from a patient younger than 50. Last week’s positivity rate for tests was 14.5 percent, the highest it’s been so far.

On Wednesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare added 727 new cases and seven new deaths to its statewide total. That brings the statewide total to 12,445 cases and 110 deaths. Today's totals shatter previous records for both new cases and deaths added in one day.