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COVID-19 cases go over 100

by KEITH KINNAIRD
News editor | June 6, 2020 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Confirmed cases of novel coronavirus of undetermined residency boosted the number of cases past the century mark, the Panhandle Health District said on Friday.

The health district said there are 101 cases, with 80 cases in Kootenai County and six in Benewah County. Bonner County has five cases and another 10 cases are listed as undetermined.

The virus, which causes COVID-19, has not been detected in Boundary or Shoshone counties, according to Panhandle Health.

The virus has caused 10 hospitalizations in the Panhandle and 73 people are no longer being monitored after contracting the virus.

Another 57 confirmed or probable cases of coronavirus emerged in Idaho on Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 3,111, according to the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. The state is attributing the virus to 83 deaths in the state.

Governor Brad Little announced a plan Friday to offer up to $1,500 cash to Idahoans who return to work.

More than 60 percent of Americans who are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic earn more with the enhanced unemployment benefits than their normal wages. The enhanced benefits are set to expire next month, making it even more important to get Idahoans back to work, Little’s office said.

“A strong economic rebound cannot occur without workers returning to a job, and the new Return to Work cash bonuses incentivize our workforce to get back to work safely. Like other states, Idaho went from record employment to record unemployment levels in a matter of weeks. Our hearts go out to those who lost jobs or income due to the global pandemic,” Little said.

AARP Idaho is hosting a telephone town hall on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time. A press conference on Idaho’s progression to Stage 4 of the state’s reopening plan is set for 11 a.m. MDT on Thursday.

The Northeast Tri-County Health District in Washington state reported on Friday that there were no new cases of the virus within its bounds. There are 17 cases, with 13 cases in Stevens County and three cases in Pend Oreille County. Ferry County had one case which was ultimately fatal, the health district said.

The three counties learned Friday that the Washington State Department of Health that they have been approved to move to Stage 3 of the state’s phased reopening plan. It allows nonessential travel to resume, partial reopening of recreation facilities such as gyms and pools and limited reopening of bars and restaurants. Libraries and theaters are also clear to partially reopen.

The state of Montana recorded two new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Friday, elevating the statewide case count to 541. The virus is blamed for 18 deaths.

Lincoln County still has seven cases and Sanders County still has none.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.