PHD reports only 7 new coronavirus cases Friday

COEUR d'ALENE — The Panhandle Health District reported just seven new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, and only three in Kootenai County. That’s the lowest single-day counts for PHD since June 3, when it had three new cases.

None of the new cases were in Bonner or Boundary counties.

And for the second straight day, there were no COVID-related deaths in Idaho, according to the state’s coronavirus website.

Gov. Brad Little took note of the low case count.

“Keep up the good work, Idaho,” he posted in a message on the state’s website. “Keep practicing the things we know work. Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Stay home if you’re sick. Together we will emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever and continue to Build Idaho’s Future!”

Statewide, there were 240 new cases on Friday, which is the lowest since it reported 170 on Dec. 25.

In Idaho, 122,031 people have received one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, while 148,653 are considered fully vaccinated.

In Kootenai County, 27,998 people have been vaccinated. In Bonner County, there have been 7,216 people vaccinated while in Boundary County, 1,599 people have been vaccinated. In Shoshone County, there have been 2,409 people vaccinated, while in Benewah County, there have been 1,841 people vaccinated.

A mask mandate issued by the PHD board remains in effect.