PHD: No new cases of COVID-19
This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This virus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP)
SANDPOINT — No new novel coronavirus cases were reported in the Panhandle on Wednesday.
The Panhandle Health District said there are 66 cases, with 62 cases in Kootenai County and four in Bonner County. The virus, which causes COVID-19, has not turned up in Boundary, Shoshone or Benewah counties, according to Panhandle Health.
The virus has caused five hospitalizations and the health district reports that 64 Panhandle residents are no longer being monitored by public health officials.
The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare said 31 new confirmed or probable cases of coronavirus emerged on Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 2,158 cases. The virus has killed 66 Idahoans, the department said.
The number of coronavirus cases in northeastern Washington also remained static on Wednesday. The Northeast Tri-County Health District said there are nine cases in Stevens County and two cases in Pend Oreille County. Ferry County has one case.
Pend Oreille, Ferry and Stevens counties are in Phase 1 of Washington state’s multi-phase reopening plan, according to the health district. Phase 1 allows for hunting, fishing, golf, boating and hiking. Social and spiritual gatherings are still prohibited, although drive-in spiritual services are allowed with one household per vehicle.
Only essential travel is allowed in Phase 1, although existing construction, landscaping, vehicle sales, curbside pick-up retail and car washes are permitted.
High-risk populations are being advised to remain indoors. Social distancing and cloth masks are encouraged across all reopening phases.
The state of Montana reported no new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. Statewide, there are 451 cases, seven of which are in Lincoln County. No cases have been reported in Sanders County, according to state public health officials.
Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.