Area’s COVID-19 cases increase

The region saw 10 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the Panhandle to 149 since the pandemic started. Of those cases, there are 42 active cases.

Kootenai County has 31 active cases, with 115 cases overall, while Bonner County has four active cases with an overall total of 11. Benewah County has 13 cases with six active. There have been 10 cases involve people with an undetermined primary county of residence, with one of thoese cases being active, the health district said.

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

“We continue to urge the public to wear cloth face coverings when in public, practice physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, stay home when sick, and sanitize regularly,” Katherine Hoyer, PHD public information officer, said.

COVID-19 testing data can be found at coronavirus.idaho.gov. For data specific to North Idaho, look at PHD1.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call the PHD hotline to be assessed for a COVID-19 test (1-877-415-5225).

For more details on the cases in the area, go online to panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19/