SOUTH CENTRAL, Idaho — South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) sees case rates remain high among residents between the ages of 18-39 across the region and urges residents to take precautions to prevent exposure to our young adults.
“These are often the people we see working in our essential jobs,” said Logan Hudson, SCPHD Public Health Division Director. “They are exposed to hundreds of people every day which puts them at greater risk of contracting COVID-19. We can protect them by wearing masks and urging the people around us to practice social distancing.”
Social distancing means keeping six feet between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household. Residents can also protect themselves and their community by washing their hands regularly and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
“We are also calling on our young adults to be extra careful with their health. They are less likely to die from COVID-19 but that doesn’t mean they can’t get very sick. Cases of stroke, blood clots leading to amputation, and more severe symptoms have been reported in previously healthy and young people,” said Melody Bowyer, SCPHD Director. “If you contract COVID-19 there is also the possibility of unintentionally passing the disease on to someone who won’t fare as well, like a grandparent or loved one with a compromised immune system.”
SCPHD urges residents to avoid areas, events, and businesses that don’t prioritize their health.
“If an area becomes too crowded, go somewhere else. You have more power to protect your health than anyone else,” said Bowyer.
SCPHD is also running two hotlines for information about COVID-19: one in Spanish at (208) 737-5965, and one in English at (208) 737-1138. These hotlines currently run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
