PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

COVID CURVES BY PAUL RIES

 As children prepare to return to school, Cox has announced that qualifying new customers will receive Connect2Compete, the company’s low-cost internet, for two months at no cost.

 New customers must sign up by Sept. 30 for free service, which also includes free technical support.  

 “Distance learning is the new normal, and we’re focused on removing barriers so all kids can advance in this environment,” said Pat Esser, president and chief executive officer of Cox Communications.  “The internet levels the playing field and there are kids that need us now more than ever.”

 Computers are part of virtual learning and Cox partners with local, regional and national organizations including PCs for People to provide discounted, refurbished laptops and accessories to families that qualify for the Connect2Compete program. 

 A summary of enhancements and benefits of Cox’s Connect2Compete program include: 

• 2 months of free Connect2Compete service and remote desktop and phone support through Cox Complete Care for eligible new customers who apply between July 21 and Sept. 30. The service costs $9.95 a month thereafter
• Easy referral for discounted, refurbished equipment through PCs for People
• Student and family access to Cox’s Digital Academy, which provides computer literacy training and educational resources for students
• Free WiFi modem rental
• Access to over 3 million Cox Hotspots nationwide.

 The Cox Connect2Compete program is available to families who:

• have at least one child that is a K-12 student at home
• participate in a government subsidy program, such as The National School Lunch Program, SNAP, TANF, Head Start, WIC, LIHEAP or Public Housing. 

Families can learn more by visiting www.cox.com/c2c.

 For more information on Cox’s coronavirus relief efforts, visit www.cox.com.

WHAT'S THE LATEST WITH COVID?

After a few days in which Idaho's new cases dipped below 400, the state tallied 559 new cases on Tuesday. It now has 22,234 official cases since the first was recognized in mid-March.

Twelve more Idahoans have died of COVID, bringing the state's total to 214 deaths. Five of those deaths were in Canyon County, four in Ada and one each in Kootenai, Owyhee and Washington.

Blaine County gained one new case for a total of 571.