Pocatello Enters CDC’s 5 Top COVID Wastewater Hotspots as Cases Stay Low

1 articles · Updated · Idaho State Journal · Jun 14

CDC data released last week put Pocatello in the agency’s highest “very high” wastewater category, making it one of only five U.S. sites at that level.
Bannock County’s designation comes entirely from Pocatello—the county’s only surveillance site—and stands out because Idaho’s other four wastewater locations show low to very low COVID levels.
Fewer than 10 COVID cases were reported in Southeast Idaho in May and no hospitalization surge has been reported, but wastewater often leads visible case increases by 5 to 7 days.
Health officials have not issued new precautions, though the reading suggests residents—especially higher-risk groups—should monitor conditions, stay current on vaccines and consider testing or masking when appropriate.