July 30, 2021 (Moscow, Idaho) — The City of Moscow began testing wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 in May of 2020. As COVID-19 variants started to spread in the U.S., the City initiated a variant testing routine, with the first results received on Apr. 13, 2021. These tests also indicate the different variants present in the wastewater samples, including the United Kingdom (U.K.) and California variants in the spring of 2021 and, more recently, the Delta variant.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The Delta variant is surging: it has quickly grown from less than 1% of cases in May to more than 80% of cases now.
- Delta spreads about twice as easily from one person to another compared to previous variants.
- Because new evidence shows some vaccinated people can get or spread Delta, CDC recommended everyone in areas with substantial or high spread wear masks.
- Most spread is among unvaccinated people and in areas with low vaccination rates. Vaccines help prevent Delta from spreading further.
The City will continue to adhere to Stage 4 of the State of Idaho - Idaho Rebounds Plan. Stage 4 includes guidance for in-person business as usual with adherence to appropriate sanitizing and physical distancing requirements, including requirements for gatherings. Face coverings are strongly recommended per the CDC and are required at long-term care facilities. The City of Moscow is not requiring masks for City employees or the community. Conversations will continue with community partners, including the Public Health - Idaho North Central District, to be aware of cases in the area.
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Story Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
Phone: 208-883-7006
Email: griedner@ci.moscow.id.us