Coronavirus updates: 11 cases reported in Idaho, blood needed, help for seniors
Here’s a roundup of everything you should know today about the coronavirus in Idaho:
Idaho cases of coronavirus
As of Thursday morning, Idaho was still reporting 11 case of coronavirus in five counties.
The state’s website reported that it had tested at least 468 people for coronavirus, the disease that causes COVID-19, but the last time the state updated the count was 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. No fatalities had been reported.
The testing number reflects people who have received a result, not the actual number tested, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
The latest numbers show there are three cases in Ada County, five cases in Blaine County, one in Twin Falls County, one in Madison County and one in Teton County.
For information about each coronavirus case, the Idaho Statesman will be updating information online.
Multiple Treasure Valley hospitals and clinics are offering drive-up screening for the coronavirus. Locations for the screening are in Boise, Meridian and Nampa.
Warm Springs Golf Course to reopen
Warm Springs Golf Course will reopen at noon Friday, the city of Boise announced Thursday. The golf course had been included in the shutdown of city buildings ordered Monday.
Quail Hollow Golf Course, the other city-owned course, remains closed. Quail Hollow pass holders can use their passes at Warm Springs with no additional cost.
Tee times at Warm Springs must be booked in advance over the phone at 208-343-5661. Guests must pay with a credit card. Booked tee times are required to use the course. The clubhouse remains closed. The driving range is closed and carts won’t be available, to promote social distancing.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience as we worked out a way to reopen the course with important health and safety measures in place,” Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway said in a press release. “We see this as another opportunity for our citizens to spend some quality time recreating outside.”
City of Boise forgives rent for city-owned housing
The city of Boise is forgiving rent for residents living in city-owned rental housing, Mayor Lauren McLean shared on Twitter.
Boise also placed a moratorium on evictions from city-owned housing through April 2020. The city is encouraging private landlords and property managers to do the same.
Red Cross worries about blood shortage
The American Red Cross faces a blood shortage as nearly 4,000 blood drives have been canceled across the country amid the pandemic, according to a press release by the office of Idaho Gov. Brad Little. Nearly 60 blood drives have been canceled in Idaho, the release said.
“As a longtime blood donor and supporter of the American Red Cross, I urge healthy citizens of Idaho to step up and help their neighbors by making an appointment to donate blood as soon as possible,” Little said.
Appointments are available at redcrossblood.org.
The U.S. Postal Service is hiring
The U.S. Postal Service announced Thursday that it needs to fill 80 positions in Utah and Idaho.
The positions open have hourly wage ranges from $16.21 to $18.56 in a variety of shifts, including indoor and outdoor work.
To apply, visit usps.com/careers. From the website, click on “search jobs,” and select “Utah” or “Idaho.” Then, applicants should click “start” and select the link for the appropriate job.
“A general overview of USPS employment requirements, specific job requirements, and hourly pay is available at the website,” according to a USPS news release. “Job openings will be regularly updated until all positions are filled.”.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have a legal permanent residency status.
Postal carrier positions require a valid driver’s license and a minimum of two consecutive years of documented driving experience within the United States.
Fred Meyer is hiring
Fred Meyer stores announced Thursday that it has immediate positions available combined across retail stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers.
Candidates may apply via jobs.fredmeyer.com and could be placed for employment within several days of applying.
BLM waives day-use fees
The Bureau of Land Management announced it will waive day-use fees on the properties it manages so more people have access to the outdoors. The agency will still collect campsite fees.
There are only three sites near the Treasure Valley that have day-use fees: Steck Park near Brownlee Reservoir, Cove Recreation Site at C.J. Strike Reservoir and the Payette River.
Health care hotlines in Idaho
Saint Alphonsus hotline: 208-302-2683, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
St. Luke’s hotline: 208-381-9500
Saltzar Health primary care provider: 208-463-3000
Idaho Careline: 2-1-1
Catch up on the latest coronavirus news
▪ Idaho announced its 11th confirmed coronavirus case Wednesday.
▪ See if your favorite restaurant is making changes to its schedule.
▪ For details on each Idaho case, go to our case tracker here.
▪ For all of our coronavirus coverage, click here.
▪ Sign up for our coronavirus newsletter here.
▪ Know someone who needs coronavirus information in Spanish? It’s here.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 11:16 AM.
