PHD reports first coronavirus death in Boundary County

| August 27, 2020 1:05 AM

The Panhandle Health District on Wednesday reported the first death related to COVID-19 in Boundary County.

The individual resided in Boundary County and was in his 70s. He had been hospitalized due to complications with COVID-19.

“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Lora Whalen, PHD director.

There have been 43 deaths in the PHD attributed to COVID-19, with 29 in Kootenai County.

PHD reported 18 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, bringing the district’s total to 2,667. Of those, 2,286 are closed, leaving 381 active cases, which is 0.14 percent of the district’s population.  There are 21 people currently hospitalized due to the virus.

Kootenai County has 2,119 cases, Bonner 212, Shoshone 191, Benewah 102 and Boundary 43. 

PHD urges 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.