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Here’s How The State Of Idaho Is Preparing For COVID-19

Brynn Anderson
/
AP Images
Aubrey Holland, performs tests at the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories on Monday, March 2, 2020, in Miami, where the COVID-19 virus is being tested at the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories.

 

Last week, we spoke to the former head of St. Luke’s health system about how hospitals are preparing for COVID-19, or the coronavirus. There are no coonfirmed cases of the virus in the state yet, but state officials are preparing for that to change. 

 

Recent cases — and six deaths from a senior citizen facility in Washington state — have many Idahoans on edge. But when it comes to testing, Idaho is in better shape than other states. 

 

Until as late as last week, only the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and six state labs — including one in Idaho — could test patients for coronavirus, Peter Kyriacopoulos, the Director of Public Policy at the Association of Public Health Laboratories, told ProPublica

 

To learn more about what our state is doing to prepare, Idaho Matters is joined by state epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn and epidemiologist Lindsay Haskellan with the Central District Health Department. 

 

Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet @KBSX915 using #IdahoMatters

Member support is what makes local COVID-19 reporting possible. Support this coverage here.

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As Senior Producer of our live daily talk show Idaho Matters, I’m able to indulge my love of storytelling and share all kinds of information (I was probably a Town Crier in a past life). My career has allowed me to learn something new everyday and to share that knowledge with all my friends on the radio.
Frankie Barnhill was the Senior Producer of Idaho Matters, Boise State Public Radio's daily show and podcast.

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