Every year thousands of people from around the world flock to Rexburg for education at Brigham Young University-Idaho and sightseeing on their way to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons. With the spread of COVID-19 travel agencies, hospitals, and public health departments say they are prepared for the virus to potentially spread to Idaho.

“At this time, there are no known COVID-19 cases in Idaho and the risk of transmission within the general public remains low,” according to a press release from Eastern Idaho Public Health. “However, this situation could change at any moment. The goal of our public health response is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. EIPH is working vigorously and proactively, in conjunction with many partners, to achieve this.”

Brett Crandall, a representative from BYU-Idaho said the university is aware of the situation and are making preparations to keep students safe in the face of the coronavirus.

According to numbers released by BYU-Idaho in early February, there are 24,004 students located on campus at the heart of Rexburg. The student population is comprised of students from almost every part of the United States and from several other countries around the world.

Nancy Volmer, spokesperson for Salt Lake City International Airport, said they are taking steps to prepare travelers for the virus. She said they do not have any restrictions because they do not have any non-stop flights to major countries affected by the virus.

Volmer said last year the Salt Lake City International Airport saw more than 26 million passengers. She said they’ve recently seen 30 thousand passengers a day on weekends.

“We actually maintain a comprehensive plan to address different aspects of public safety, whether it’s corona or other infectious diseases,” she said. “We have workers looking for any signs of illness who can alert the proper authorities. We’re working closely with the local health department.”

Volmer said that they’ve put together a webpage for updates, coronavirus information and healthy traveling tips. That webpage can be found at https://www.slcairport.com/customer-assistance/travel-advisory-2/ .

According to the health department press release, right now there is a limited amount of test kits within Idaho and around the country. Individuals who qualify for COVID-19 testing include those who have a fever of 100.4F or greater who also have lower respiratory illness symptoms that include coughing and shortness of breath; and have traveled to an affected area within 14 days prior or had close contact with a confirmed patient infected by COVID-19. Testing is also available to those with acute lower respiratory illness who require hospitalization and without “alternative explanatory diagnosis.”

According to a press release from Madison Memorial Hospital, it has received a number requests for about testings and possible symptoms from Upper Valley locals. Inquiries for testing have been redirected to the Eastern Idaho Public Health COVID-19 Hotline: 208-522-0310 or toll free at 855-533-3160. The call center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Doug McBride, Director of Business and Development at the hospital, said all testing is being done within Eastern Idaho Public Health. When asked if it was possible that the virus could reach Madison County McBride said that it was possible but that the public shouldn't panic. He said people should just continue to take simple precautionary action.

“We recommend people who think they have been exposed to make preliminary inquiries over the phone before physically setting foot inside a healthcare facility and thereby putting other people at risk,” according to the Madison Memorial press release.

Madison Memorial recommends locals wash their hands frequently, stay home when they’re sick, avoid touching their faces or coming into contact with other sick people. As well as disinfecting frequently touched items, covering sneezes and throwing away tissues.

“The wearing of face masks is not a necessary means of self-protection at this time,” according to the press release. “But people who have symptoms of respiratory illness should wear face masks in public places, to help prevent spreading the disease to others.”

Madison Memorial assures the public that they are fully capable and prepared to handle the COVID-19 virus. It has procedures in place and a full-time infection preventionist. All of its staff have been trained in infection containment and isolation methods.

“The hospital has multiple AIIRs (negative-air-pressure rooms) throughout the hospital, which are tested regularly and can be used at short notice to isolate highly infectious patients by not recirculating their air throughout the building,” according to the press release.

Eastern Idaho Public Health said the criteria for testing is likely to be updated as more is learned about this virus and how it spreads. Updated testing criteria can be seen at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html .

“While the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among the general public in Idaho remains low at this time, there are still precautions people can take to minimize their risk of contracting any respiratory illness,” according to the press release. “Additionally, most people who contract COVID-19 recover with the use of normal self-care; however, individuals with underlying health conditions are at risk for more severe illness and complications from the disease.”

More information about the virus and it’s spread can be found at the Center for Disease Control Website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/ .