May 7, 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. This test indicated that the United Kingdom (U.K.) variant was the dominant strain in Moscow's wastewater. A confirmation test subsequently showed similar results.
 
Public Health-Idaho North Central District Director Carol Moehrle reports that as of Friday, Apr. 30, 7 variants have been identified in Latah County; 5 U.K. variants and 2 California variants.
 
"Being aware of the risks in our community and how we can continue to slow the spread and manage illness is so important," says Mayor Bill Lambert, "continuing our work to prevent illness is key. Social distancing and wearing masks are working to help us bridge the gap as folks who want to can get vaccinated."
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research suggests that COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States offer protection against most variants. Additionally:

• Vaccines currently approved for use in the U.S. are effective at preventing COVID-19. 
• COVID-19 vaccination is an essential tool to help stop the pandemic.
• COVID-19 vaccines help protect people from getting sick or severely ill with COVID-19 and may also help protect people around them.
• CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one is available to you.

City of Moscow

206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
Phone - 208.883.7006
Email - griedner@ci.moscow.id.us
Website - www.ci.moscow.id.us