by Logan Finney, Idaho Reports
On the Senate floor Monday, Sen. Fred Martin, R-Boise, read portions of a letter from former education chairman Sen. Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls, who described his recent hospitalization due to COVID-19.

“We as a state have focused rightfully on prevention measures,” Mortimer wrote, “all of which I have been diligent in adhering to, except I did not get vaccinated. We were waiting for others, and had been exposed multiple times, and felt okay with waiting some time. Big mistake, right?”
“After one night in the hospital, I am feeling tons better,” Mortimer’s letter reads. “I am on oxygen part-time, steroids for lung help, and aspirin for clotting. I feel like a human again.”
All Idahoans can visit covidvaccine.idaho.gov to preregister for a COVID-19 vaccine and a provider will reach out when an appointment is available.