We’re Number 2. Not so good.
Wasn’t that a great 4th of July fireworks display put on by our firemen? Cathy and I were able to watch it from the comfort of our yard as many of you probably were. Just want to give a shout-out out to the Fire Dept. for the fundraising, organizing, and work to celebrate our nation’s founding.
I was pleased to hear that social distancing was observed by the people watching the fireworks display on the 4th of July. Good Job Weiser!
On other issues, Washington County now has the dubious distinction of having the second highest rate of Covid-19 infections per capita in the State. Only Blaine County, Idaho’s original outbreak, which made national news, is higher. In the last 3 weeks, our numbers have more than doubled. At the pace we are going, in another 3 weeks we could be #1. Please don’t let us be the state title holders in COVID-19 cases. Also, Washington County has experienced its first official death due to the disease.
The chart below shows how we have gone through spurts due to specific events. We are now starting our third spurt.
Most of our numbers come from large groups getting together. Therefore, the City will continue to limit events within our control until the numbers level off. The City does not have the authority to control all events in and around the city such as those outside of the City limits or on private property.
Weiser Memorial Hospital is offering an after hours and weekend help line for those who have questions about Covid-19 testing. Weekdays from 8 to 5 they recommend contacting your primary physician or one of the local clinics. The help line number is 208-549-4133.
There are several myths involving this virus that I have heard around town. Here are a few.
1. It’s just the flu. – It is not the flu. Covid-19 is much more contagious and many times more lethal.
2. Asymptomatic people are not contagious. – Clinically, the jury is still out on this one. However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to the contrary.
3. It doesn’t affect younger people. – 41% of all cases in our Health District are under the age of 30. A surprisingly high percentage of these are hospitalized.
4. Masks don’t make a difference. – There was confusion on this point at first. The CDCs were not recommending masks because of the lack of masks for healthcare workers. Once adequate supplies were available, the CDC has strongly recommended masks. The masks reduce the spread of the microscopic moisture we emit when we breath.
5. We are all going to get it anyway, so we might as well get it over. – The purpose of slowing the spread is to keep our healthcare system from being overwhelmed. Even though the U.S. has the best healthcare system in the world, the system could be overwhelmed if the number of cases increases faster than our capacity to deal with it.
As a City and as a County, we have a responsibility to each other. The fireworks display was a good example of how we can have events if people do their part.
In City business this week, just want to remind the public not to put any signs on power poles in town. Stapling and nailing up signs actually damage the poles. The holes allow critters to get past the surface treatment and into the wood to weaken it from the inside. So, the City does not allow signs of any kind on its poles.
You may see crews working on E. Liberty Street between E. 1st and E. 3rd. The Water Dept. is finishing up the annual installment of its program to replace of aging water pipes. Eventually all of the iron pipe will be replaced by PVC. Also, the Waste Water Dept. is working on E. 4th by Memorial Park to replace old waste water lines.
That’s it for this week. One thing about this virus, it is now socially acceptable to tell someone “Get away from me!” Enjoy your week!
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