New COVID-19 cases reported in the region
(Image courtesy CDC) This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.
Benewah County sees first confirmed case
SANDPOINT — Panhandle Health District confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus in Benewah County on Saturday. In addition, two new cases in the southern part of the Pend Oreille County by the Northeast Tri County Health District in Washington state.
In Benewah County, Panhandle Health District officials said the region’s newest case involves a female under the age of 18. She has been contacted and advised to self-isolate.
The Panhandle area has a total of 71 COVID-19 cases. There are 66 in Kootenai County, four in Bonner County, and the one case in Benewah County. There are no confirmed cases in Shoshone or Boundary counties.
PHD epidemiologists will conduct contact tracing and close contacts will be contacted if they are potentially at risk. Additional case-specific information about this individual is confidential and will not be released.
“Our call center is available Monday through Friday to take questions or concerns for our community,” said Lora Whalen, health district director. “We continue to urge everyone to continue practicing the staged guidelines in Governor Littles reopening plan.”
The virus has caused seven hospitalizations and 68 people are no longer being monitored, the health district said.
The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare reported 31 new confirmed or probable cases Saturday, elevating the statewide total to 2,626 cases. The death toll stands at 79, Health & Welfare said.
The Northeast Tri-County Health District in Washington state reported on Friday that there were no cases within its jurisdiction. With the two new cases, Pend Oreille County has four cases, while Stevens County has 10 cases with one reported death, and Ferry County has one case.
“NETCHD staff are working now to investigate each case and will be reaching out to potential close contacts,” officials said in a press release. “These individuals will be given additional guidance and advised of precautions they should take.”
Within Washington state, as of May 23, there have been a total of 19, 265 cases of COVID-19 and 1,050 deaths. The state is still continuing to see 100-200 new confirmed cases per day.
With many counties neighboring Pend Oreille County moving to Washington state’s reopening plan, officials said it is likely the area will see more out-of-town visitors coming to recreate in the region. In efforts to prevent potential exposure, they asked businesses, patrons and members of the community to take precautions if they are out and about.
Montana officials reported no new cases of the virus were reported on Friday. The state has 479 cases, seven of which are located in Lincoln County. There are no known cases of the virus in Sanders County.
People ill with coronavirus in other states and countries have reported mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.