Two new cases reported in Bonner County
FILE - This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health authorities are preparing for a possible pandemic as they work to contain a respiratory illness in China that's caused by a new virus. Governments are working to contain the virus by limiting travel, isolating sick people and keeping travelers returning from the affected region under quarantine to watch for symptoms. (CDC via AP, File)
SANDPOINT — Panhandle Health District has reported two new COVID-19 cases in Bonner County, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the community to six.
There are 82 cases in the Idaho Panhandle. In addition to Bonner County’s six cases, Benewah County has four cases and Kootenai County has 67. Sixty-eight of the region’s COVID-19 cases are no longer being monitored.
There are no confirmed cases in Boundary or Shoshone counties.
The health district said it’s investigating five additional cases on which it has limited information, including the residencies of the five infected people, according to health district spokeswoman Katherine Hoyer.
The health district said the virus has resulted in seven hospitalizations in the region.
A person is no longer being monitored when they have stayed home for our recommended period of time AND have not had a fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers) AND other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
People ill with coronavirus in other states and countries have reported mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If community members have these symptoms and are concerned, they should call PHD’s call center at 1-877-415-5225 or their provider. PHD will provide an over-the-phone assessment to determine if someone should be tested. Please call, do not come into PHD or your provider’s office. Tested individuals must stay home until test results are received. If the test is positive, all household members must self-isolate at home for a recommended period of time.
Individuals may also call the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-330-3010.