COVID-19 case noted in POC
(Photo courtesy JAMES GATHANY/CDC) Centers for Disease Control & Prevention staff support the COVID-19 response in the CDC’s Emergency Operations Center.
NEWPORT — Pend Oreille County recorded its first confirmed case of novel coronavirus on Thursday, according to the Northeast Tri County Health District.
The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 is in isolation at home.
“NETCHD is in the process of notifying potential close contacts and these individuals will be given additional guidance and advised of precautions they should take,” the health district said in a news release.
The health district acknowledged that the county’s first case may cause fear and uncertainty, but said medical facilities, healthcare providers and business owners took precautions early on which allowed them to prepare for it. The early efforts, coupled with help from the public, could make the difference in reducing spread of the virus and protecting local residents, the health district said.
“It is likely that more cases will be confirmed in our area,” the district said.
District officials said investigations in other Washington counties are revealing a common trend relating to exposure, which involve travel to and from the area and traveling to areas outside of the community.
Testing in Pend Oreille County has yielded 102 negative results, according to NETCHD.
Newport Hospital & Health Services reminded the public on Thursday to continue observing social distancing protocols, conservation of personal protection equipment and vigilance in hand hygiene.
Patients are being encouraged to avoid the hospital’s emergency department unless they are experiencing symptoms that require immediate attention. Others who think they contracted the virus are asked to call 509-447-3139 to reduce the risk of person-to-person exposure.
Patients who do come the emergency department with a cough, fever or shortness of breath are required to stay in their vehicles and call 509-447-9353. An ER triage will come out to them.
The Panhandle Health District reported on Thursday that there are 37 cases in Kootenai County and one case in Bonner County.
“We continue to urge the public to adhere to the stay-home order made by Gov. Little and the 30 day slow the spread guidance by the federal government. We know practicing social distancing strategies can slow the spread of this virus, but we need everyone to do their part,” Panhandle Health District spokeswoman Katherine Hoyer said.
Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.