COVID TASK FORCE MEETING NOTES
13 AUG 2020
Healthcare Update:
Cascade Medical Center – Operations continue normally along with parking lot screenings before entry. Not many testing appointments are scheduled for the next week.
St. Luke’s Health System: Total hospitalizations as of today 70. SLHS ICU currently at 20 patients, 18 total ventilated patients (covid and non covid). St. Luke’s McCall – 82 positive tests, 9 more than last week. For more information on COVID care and operations please visit https://www.stlukesonline.org/health-services/service-groups/covid-resources/covid-data-and-reporting
CDH – Valley County mask order was voted on, approved, and in effect – more information can be found here: https://www.cdh.idaho.gov/dac-coronavirus-valleyorder.php This order applies to people in public places and schools, but we highly encourage private businesses to follow the order, too. It will be most effective if universally implemented. Total VC cases reported thus far is 65 with 1 COVID related death. Last week there were 14 new cases which has doubled from the previous week. Social gatherings in Ada County has been reduced to 10 when social distancing cannot be maintained (geared at private gatherings like weddings, baby showers, BBQs, etc., because that is where we are seeing many of our cases come from). ‘Gatherings’ for the general public are still allowed at 50. Schools – in Ada County they are in Category 3 (substantial community transmission). Valley county is in Category 2 (mild-moderate). These are indicators CDH uses for school reopening and operating plans. Approximately 85% of schools in Ada have either delayed their start or will be starting school online with the hope of some in-person learning after Labor Day if we can get our numbers under control (and we move to a Category 2). If cases rise, mask-wearing is sub-optimal and social distancing isn’t maintained, etc., McCall-Donnelly and Cascade School District could move to Category 3 and jeopardize student learning. Recognizing this may be a motivator for some to do what they need to do and take the trade-offs to allow our youth to be in school.
Crush the Curve – Has been contacted and will be planning a testing day on 24 AUG 2020 location TBD. If businesses or organizations are interested in participating in Crush The Curve Testing efforts please contact Lance Sayers (ideally by Friday, August 14th) at Crush The Curve Idaho, 580-301-3604, [email protected]. Local EMS operators have also been contacted to serve as possible testing site locations so that tests can be administered in different communities, details to follow in the future.
Schools Update:
Decision of Schools (McCall-Donnelly and Cascade) to pretest teachers and employees before the school year has not been made.
McCall-Donnelly School – Launched an online enrollment opportunity for preK -12 to see what folks would like to see (online vs in person). See website (https://www.mdsd.org/domain/148) for online options, expectations and how the new school year looks for all involved. There are opportunities for online and in-person learning. If you do not choose online, you will be selected for in person by default. School will start the week after Labor Day. If there is enough participation in online learning, then it may be possible to allow students for in person learning more regularly.
Cascade School – A Parent survey was sent out and 55% of recipients responded. School is aimed to resume on the 26th. New student registration was received yesterday and there are more than 30 new students to the school district.
Business Update:
September 15th – round table discussion from 2-3:30pm via ZOOM to discuss partnerships and collaboration opportunities among restaurants across the region. To get more information about how to attend the event please visit https://wcmedc.org/virtual-industry-round-table-restaurants/
Marketing:
The McCall Area Chamber is implementing a #BeKind Challenge and will be creating “you matter” cards that can be found at local libraries (pending approval). Be sure to stop by and select a card, write a friendly note and pass it on to other members of the community.
Adjourn