STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK
PHOTO BY DIANE TULLUS
Idahoans are being asked to take part in a survey examining how they’re faring in the pandemic.
The Division of Behavioral Health—part of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare—is conducting the anonymous statewide survey to understand how attitudes, needs and behaviors have evolved in relation to the pandemic.
The information gleaned will help inform policy decisions, resource deployment and program and product development and dissemination.
“The pandemic has shifted many aspects of our lives over the past year and a half,” said Danielle Pere, bureau chief in the Division of Behavioral Health. “We want to know more about how it has affected Idahoans so we can help fill gaps and respond more effectively as the pandemic continues.”
The survey can be taken at https://app.keysurvey.com/f/41586564/24e3/ through Oct. 31, 2021.
Results will be posted to the Division of Behavioral Health webpage at https://coronavirus.idaho.gov and at https://ioem.idaho.gov/covidhelpnow/
IDAHO BOTTOMS OUT
WalletHub reported Thursday that Idaho is the least safe state when it comes to COVID-19. The rates were based on virus transmission, testing positivity, hospitalizations, deaths and the percentage of eligible residents that are vaccinated.
Idaho ranked 50th for the highest transmission rate, tied for 50th in the highest death rate, was 48th in positive testing percentage and 47th in highest hospitalization rate.
Idaho ranked 51st among the states, with the District of Columbia included in the study. Joining it at the bottom are West Virginia, Wyoming, Montana, Ohio, North Dakota, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Texas.
The safest states, WalletHub reported, are Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Rhode Island, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Vermont, New Jersey and Florida.
WHITHER BLAINE COUNTY?
Blaine County reported its fourth COVID-related death in the past month on Friday, bringing its death toll from COVID to 23. The woman, in her 80s, was vaccinated but had underlying health issues. The previous three individuals who died this past month were unvaccinated.
As of Friday, the county had reported 100 new COVID cases in 11 days, averaging nine new cases a day. The county’s official count: 2,390.