On Sep. 7, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare activated the Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) protocol for the Panhandle and North Central Health Districts. Activation of the CSC is due to a shortage of staff and available beds caused by an increase of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. Though Gritman Medical Center has announced that they are not moving to CSC, they continue to recommend that individuals choose to receive the vaccine, wear a mask, wash hands, maintain social distancing, and limit gatherings to slow the spread of the virus and its variants.
As such, City staff are taking the following measures to reduce future burden on the regional health care system, including:
- Cancelling the Vandal Town Block Party scheduled for Thu. Sep. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Cancelling Live Entertainment at the Moscow Farmers Market for Sat. Sep. 18 and 25
- Suspending Youth Vendor and Performance Artist (Busker) programs at the Moscow Farmers Market for the remainder of Sep.
Other smaller events scheduled for Sep. will continue with additional COVID-19 precautions as appropriate, including:
- Palouse Youth Triathlon, Sep. 11
- Moscow Pathways Commission Annual Bike Tour, Sep. 14
- Palouse Plein Air Reception, Sep. 17
City staff will keep track of the CSC status, local infection rates, and hospitalizations to advise future program and event decisions.
Individuals are asked to do their part in slowing the spread of transmission by:
- Opting to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Wearing a mask.
- Washing your hands.
- Continuing to social distance.
- Limiting gatherings with those from outside your immediate household.
For more information, contact Deputy City Supervisor Jen Pfiffner at 208-883-7123 or jpfiffner@ci.moscow.id.us.