First COVID-19 death in Benewah County

First COVID-19 death in Benewah County

Panhandle Health District and Benewah Community Hospital are reporting the first death related to COVID-19 in Benewah County.

The individual resided in Benewah County and was in his 60s. He had been hospitalized due to complications with COVID-19. Out of respect to him and his family, no additional details will be released. This is the 19th death in the PHD. Sixteen of the deaths have occurred among Kootenai County residents, and two of the deaths have occurred among Shoshone county residents.

“BCH is saddened to hear that one of our community members has passed away from COVID-19,” said Chuck Lloyd, CEO Benewah Community Hospital. “BCH had the honor of caring for this community member for a short period of time before they were transferred to a higher level of care. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. BCH is committed to ensuring that our community, staff, and healthcare providers remain safe and healthy.”

PHD and BCH urge all residents to take precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes, practicing physical distancing, wearing cloth face coverings in public places, practicing good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, sanitizing high-touch surfaces regularly and isolating immediately if you show symptoms of COVID-19.

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.