Q&A: What should I do if I'm exposed to COVID-19? Is it safe to travel for the holidays? Nicole Blanchard, The Idaho Statesman Dec. 22—Since Thanksgiving, Idaho has reported record numbers of COVID-19 cases, COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations related to the disease — and health officials are bracing for even more as Christmas and New Year's Eve holidays approach. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has shared the CDC's message encouraging people to spend the holidays at home with their household members, and some of Idaho's health districts have also repeated that message. Brandon Atkins, spokesman for Boise-based Central District Health, said health officials know it's not an ideal situation.