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St. Luke’s Says Staffing and Supplies are Adequate for Now
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Friday, March 27, 2020
 

BY KAREN BOSSICK

Blaine County residents went into mourning Thursday as residents learned that two of their own were among Idaho’s first casualties of the coronavirus pandemic.

The third death was that of a man over age 70 from Canyon County with underlying health issues.

“This is very sad news and we send our condolences to the families and friends of each of these individuals,” said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, administrator for the Division of Public Health at the Department of Health and Welfare. “This underscores the importance of Gov. Little’s order to stay home—we all have to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.”

The news of the deaths was announced as the number of confirmed cases in Blaine County climbed to 86—23 more than the previous day. Ada County now has 54 and Canyon County 21.

Idaho’s cases climbed to 188—47 more than the day before.

Testing remains an issue. Idaho Department of Health Welfare tallies the number of tests being done but it doesn’t ferret out how many tests are being performed in each county. So, it’s difficult to say whether Blaine County has a higher rate of positive tests than other counties or whether it is simply testing more people.

St. Luke’s Wood River is seeing an average of 90 cars a day through the screening tent—a pretty steady stream, said Joy Prudek, the hospital’s spokesperson.

St. Luke’s has been transporting four to five patients a day to other hospitals for the past several days, but not all transports involve COVID-19.

The hospital currently has an adequate capacity of intensive care beds and more than enough ventilators at this time, Prudek said. In addition to the ventilator in St. Luke’s Wood River’s emergency department, it has anesthesia ventilators that can be brought on.

Boise State University’s Department of Respiratory Care is providing 14 of the ventilators that would normally be used by students to St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus.

 Currently staffing levels and supplies are adequate, said Deb Robertson, St. Luke’s Wood River Emergency Department medical director.

“We are all so grateful for the staff who have been outside on their feet in inclement weather and in their PPE (personal protective equipment) to assist our community,” she added.

The hospital system is working diligently to restore inpatient capability as soon as possible, added Mike Fenello, vice president of Population Health for Magic Valley, Jerome and Wood River hospitals.

TESTING AND MORE:

St. Luke’s Wood River continues to operate a COVID-19 screening and sampling tent outside the Physician Office Annex next to the hospital as well as a walk-in clinic for both COVID-19 and non CoVID-19 related illnesses and injuries. But hours have been scaled back to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice.

The walk-in clinic in Suite 109 of the Physician Office Annex has a separate entrance for non-respiratory-related illnesses and injuries supported by medical imaging and laboratory services. It can be reached at 208-727-8811.

SOS:

Sun Valley Economic Development put out a call asking the community for donations of surgical or N95 masks, medical grade gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant for first responders. Email lpetty@thehungercoalition.org or dstellers@blaineschools.org to coordinate drop-off or pickup.

Nationwide veterinarians are donating masks, gowns and breathing machines, as some nurses have resorted to plastic trash bags to protect themselves. And DuPont is expediting the production of full-body Tyvek hazmat suits.

UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS SOAR:

The number of Idaho workers laid off because of the coronavirus resulted in a 1,200 percent jump in the number of claims for unemployment insurance benefits, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. The Department of Labor received 13,341 claims this past week--4,000 unemployment claims on Tuesday alone. Normally, it would get fewer than 500 in a single day.

Some 3.3 million new unemployment claims across the nation shattered the old record for the greatest number of claims filed in a single week fivefold.

It will take claimants about two and a half weeks to see their first payment. Claimants are being advised to apply via a laptop or desktop computer, not by phone or tablet.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS REITERATED:

Gov. Brad Little issued a statewide stay-at-home order on Wednesday for the entire state, asking people to refrain from going out unless they work an essential job. The spread of the virus will slow if those who have it do not pass it on, he said.

Blaine County Commissioners reiterated Thursday that individuals and groups are not to travel outside Blaine County to neighboring counties for casual travel and recreation, hotel stays, shopping and other activities that are not defined as essential under the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Self-Isolation Order imposed March 25.

If people want to exercise, they should do it in Blaine County. They should also shop for essential goods and services in Blaine County. Those who are sick must stay at home.

“Spread of coronavirus risks overwhelming our hospitals and health care system,” commissioners said.  “Travel in and out of the county risks spreading coronavirus further in Idaho.”

Dr. Deb Robertson urged Blaine County residents not to wait for a test or test result given community spread: “There are measures you can take now to protect yourself, your family, friends, neighbors and way of life. Please abide by the self-isolation order.”

IN OTHER NEWS:

  • Hayspur Hatchery and Campground south of Bellevue has been closed to the public until further notice. Idaho Fish and Game has closed state hatcheries to protect hatchery staff and local residents.
  • Blaine County Recreation District has cancelled Springs Sports leagues, including baseball, softball, t-ball and track and field. The BCRD will assess the viability of offering a track and field season in May or June if the situation improves.

    To request refunds for registration fees, email info@bcrd.org or call 208-578-2273. Registration fees can also be forwarded to support a future sports opportunity for a child in need.

  • Mike Healy and Teddie Daley announced that the Blaine County Historical Museum’s Heritage Court activities will be canceled this year because of health concerns. This would have been the 17th year of honoring ladies who have been important to the history and heritage of Blaine County.

“The uncertainties related to the coronavirus have made it virtually impossible to plan ahead. We just don’t know what the situation will be in a couple of months when our public activities take place. But we already know how difficult it is to do even our preliminary work and scheduling,” said Daley, co-founder and chair of the Heritage Court.

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