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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 29, 2020)
8A — THE OBSERVER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020 NORTHWEST Idaho governor orders return to some COVID-19 restrictions By Keith Ridler Associated Press BOISE — Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Monday, Oct. 26, ordered a return to some restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus as intertwined health care sys- tems across the state showed early signs of buckling. The Republican governor returned the state to stage 3 of his four-stage reopening plan and said indoor gath- erings will be limited to 50 people or fewer, and outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25% of capacity. “Idaho is at a critical juncture,” Little declared during the Statehouse news conference with a heavy police presence as protestors could be heard shouting in the hallway. “This is unac- ceptable and we must do more.” Little, who wears a mask in public and encourages others to do so also, didn’t order a statewide mask mandate, something many health care professionals have sought. But many res- idents in red-state Idaho oppose such a mandate. State offi cials con- tinue reporting surging infections daily, with 650 more on Sunday for a total approaching 60,000 along with 573 deaths. The state’s positivity test rate is fourth-worst in the nation, according to The COVID Tracking Project. The restrictions announced Monday also include a mask mandate for all long-term care facili- ties and physical distancing Oregon Public Broadcasting SALEM — Oregon, Washington, and Nevada joined forces with Cali- fornia Tuesday, Oct. 27, to vet any vaccine for COVID-19 before distrib- uting it to the public. “The independent review conducted by this panel of doctors, scientists, and health experts will ensure that a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is avail- able to everyone, especially communities that have been disproportionately impacted by this disease,” said Oregon Gov. Kate Brown in a press release. California Gov. Gavin Newsom created the COVID-19 Scientifi c Safety Review Workgroup in late September to independently review the safety and effec- tiveness of any COVID-19 vaccine, once one is approved by the FDA. Public trust in vaccine efforts has eroded as Oper- ation Warp Speed, the pres- ident’s COVID-19 vac- cination effort, became increasingly politicized. According to a September Gallup poll, only about half of Americans are willing to take a COVID-19 vaccina- tion. Public trust in vaccine dropped from 60% to 50% in just one month, while president Donald Trump pushed offi cials to release a vaccine before the election, and the FDA temporarily eased the vaccine approval process. The FDA has since instated a more rigorous process, but public distrust remains. Public health experts have raised concerns about the public perception of the vaccine project. They’re worried that even if the vaccine is safe and effec- tive, the public won’t trust stop coming to its emer- gency rooms for COVID-19 testing. Dr. Joshua Kern, vice president of medical affairs for St. Luke’s Magic Valley and Jerome, said the surge of patients in that area is approaching a level the hos- pital might not be able to handle, meaning deciding who gets treatment. “That’s not good for our staff, having to decide who lives and dies, and it’s not good for the patients,” he said. “The natural outcome of not controlling the virus will be unnecessary deaths.” State epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said some hospitals are in what’s called a contingency stage, one step below moving into a crisis stage that could lead to the scenario described by Kern. Primary Health Med- ical Group, the largest inde- pendent medical group in Idaho, has had to close two of its 19 urgent care clinics in southwestern Idaho because of sick or quaran- tined staff. The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. Oregon, Washington, Nevada join California to vet COVID-19 vaccine By Erin Ross for gatherings of all types. Employers should continue allowing teleworking for at-risk workers or make spe- cial accommodations in the workplace. St. Luke’s, with hospitals in southwestern and cen- tral Idaho, is reporting that 20% of hospitalized patients are suffering from COVID- 19. Its hospital in Twin Falls is postponing elective sur- geries and sending chil- dren in need of medical care to Boise. On Monday, St. Luke’s told people to www.eomediagroup.com it, and won’t get vaccinated. The hope is that extra vet- ting will help restore some of that trust. Not everyone agrees with this plan. Dr. Saad Omar, an epidemiolo- gist at the Yale Institute of Global Health, worries that if states take vaccine safety into their own hands, there could be public confusion. “Do you really want a situation where Texas, Ala- bama and Arkansas are making drastically different vaccine policies than New York, California and Mas- sachusetts?” Omar asked NBC. The review group will also evaluate plans for vac- cine distribution. When the vaccine fi rst becomes available, doses will be lim- ited. States are asking hard questions about how to pri- oritize vaccinations, and where they’ll have the most impact. STORAGE BUILDINGS www.CountrysideSheds.com Have a Happy & Safe Halloween (541) 663-0246 Locally owned and operated for over 25 years 10505 N. McAlister Road (Corner of Hwy 82 & N. McAlister Rd.) RENT to OWN starting at $ 68 Month P SPA LAY IT REMEM CE A SAF BE ND E WI R TO WEA TH R YO A LIT UR TLE MAS K! ! n e p O w o N AT FAMILY PACKAGE $ MON–THU 45 Prices subject to change. 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