across many parts of the country new covid cases dropped slightly in recent days in the northwest, some hospitals had to make difficult decisions about rationing care as things get worse. gabe gutierrez has more. reporter: in spokane, washington, multicare deaconist hospital is turning down more than half of patient transfer requests from other states because there s not enough room. how frustrating is it a year and a half into the pandemic you re still having to deal with this? this was a tough week finishing the end of seven days in the icu, i will tell you, it is an emotional roller coaster. reporter: as covid cases surge across parts of the northwest, some hospitals are considering whether to activate what s known as crisis standards of care, essentiall guidelines how to ration resources several miles down the freeway is the idaho border, a state with few covid restrictions, no mask mandate, and one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. idaho is known for