Governor of Idaho, home to one of U.S.' lowest vaccination rates, urges residents to get Covid shot

Idaho Governor. Brad Little, Idaho Governor, called for the vaccination of all residents against Covid on Friday. He cited concern over the Delta variant and the potential to slow down economic progress.Little stated that "we're just asking everybody to get vaccinated." He spoke on CNBC's "The Exchange."Little stated that his greatest concern and "one the most harmful things" for the economy would be if children did not go to in-person school in the fall, and their parents stayed home. Little, a Republican who was elected to office in 2019, said, "That will slow the economy down, so we want our Idaho citizens to be protected." He was previously lieutenant governor.Idaho has one the lowest vaccination rates in America, with 46% of children 12 years old and older fully vaccinated, and 51% receiving at least one dose. According to Idaho's public health division, These figures are lower than the national rate.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 58% of Americans 12 and older are fully vaccinated, while 68% have received at least one dose. A White House official tweeted Friday that half of America is now fully vaccinated against Covid. The data was posted on the CDC's website.Idaho is seeing an increase in daily cases as the highly contagious delta virus ravages large swathes of the country.Although Little has rescinded an executive order prohibiting statewide mask mandates, a few Idaho counties and about a dozen other cities have issued local requirements to stop the spread of the virus. An executive order prohibiting mask mandates was revoked by Little in May. Janice McGeachin was unable to attend the conference so Little rescinded an executive order banning mask mandates that Lt. Gov.Little stated that she believes in giving local governments and businesses the tools to do the right things. "We support vaccination and do whatever health protocols are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease, but we are extremely concerned about the delta variant.Little stated that he hopes more people get vaccinated to show the benefits to those who might be hesitant. He said that every day more people get vaccinated and are protected, which means their friends, neighbors, and family members are also aware.Little stated that economic activity in Idaho is strong, despite the Covid concerns. He pointed out that Idaho's population is among the fastest-growing in America.He stated that although we are worried about the new variant and more positive rates, there is a great booming economy right now.