IDAHO — Idaho has more than 26,000 confirmed coronavirus cases across the state and nearly 250 deaths, according to the latest data.
United States Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams told Idaho News 6 the state is in the "Red Zone," meaning Idaho's COVID-19 positivity rate is over 10%.
"I want the people of Idaho to understand that we have the power to control this virus and to be able to safely reopen schools, reopen worship, reopen jobs, and get to a sense of normal with three simple measures. What I call my three W's," Adams says.
The three W's include:
- Watch your distance
- Wash your hands
- Wear a mask
Dr. Adams says these three measures can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. He also mentioned these measures would help mitigate asymptomatic transmissions.
"We know if we do these three simple measures, we can drive down transmission of the disease, and that allows us to reopen," Adams says.
According to Dr. Adams, Dr. Anthony Fauci says he is hopeful there will be a vaccine by the end of the year or the start of next year. Until then, transmission can slow by following the proper measures, says Adams.
"We don't have to wait to get a vaccine. We don't have to rely on some miracle therapeutic to be able to reopen safely. The power to control this disease and to be able to get some sense of normalcy back is by doing these simple public health measures," Adam says. "I call upon the people of Idaho to do it. Do it for your neighbors. Do it for yourself. Do it for a successful reopening."
Tune into Idaho News 6 this week to hear more from Dr. Adams.
