Dear Idaho, it seems you’ve strayed far from your reputation as a sensible part of the United States. While we frequently lament the situation in places like South Carolina and Texas, it’s time to focus our attention on your state.
In early September, Idaho hit what the Associated Press called a “grim trifecta,” with record levels of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and ICU patients. Experts warn that Covid cases could surpass 30,000 a week, affecting more than 1.5% of Idaho’s population. With only 39% fully vaccinated and 46% having received at least one dose, Idaho joins Mississippi and Alabama at the bottom of the vaccination leaderboard. Despite its picturesque landscapes, the situation is anything but beautiful.
Idahoans typically aren’t known for their extreme views, but there’s a growing trend of skepticism toward governmental guidance, especially regarding vaccines. NPR noted that many in Idaho are drawn to the idea of self-sufficiency, often leading to distrust of sources like the FDA or Dr. Fauci. This skepticism has led to a troubling reality: a third of Idaho residents refuse to get vaccinated.
Hospitals are now implementing crisis standards of care, meaning they’re forced to ration medical treatment. Patients are being treated in makeshift locations, and wait times for ICU beds have skyrocketed. If things worsen, health care providers may have to make heartbreaking decisions about who receives life-saving care.
Idaho’s political climate is equally concerning. Governor Brad Little’s mixed messages on vaccination and his lieutenant governor’s extreme views reflect a broader divide. In Ada County, a health board nominee referred to Covid vaccines as “needle rape,” illustrating the troubling attitudes that have taken root.
So what’s the takeaway? Idaho, a state once celebrated for its agricultural bounty, is now grappling with a public health crisis fueled by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. To turn things around, it’s crucial to adopt measures like mask mandates and to stop vilifying “Big Pharma.” The consequences of inaction are dire, as Idaho residents find themselves in a precarious position, relying on neighboring states with higher vaccination rates for essential medical care.
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