Kootenai County pandemic-ready

In the event of an outbreak of coronavirus or another communicable illness in North Idaho, local agencies reportedly have response plans already in place.

The Kootenai County Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan outlines how entities — including law enforcement, fire service, hospitals and others — will respond to different kinds of emergencies, from natural disasters to acts of terrorism. It includes performing mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities.

“This plan was developed by all of us as partners,” said Sandy Von Behren, Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management director. “That’s what makes it great.”

Pandemic disease is addressed by the plan. During an outbreak of infectious disease, Panhandle Health District would be the lead agency working to mitigate a countywide epidemic.

Among other responsibilities, PHD would ascertain the need for public health surveillance, recommend initial county containment measures (which can include quarantine, isolation and non-pharmaceutical interventions such as dismissal of schools) and maintain records of community containment actions.

Support organizations at the county, district, municipal and state levels, as well as in the private sector, would have other responsibilities under the plan. For example, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office would enforce quarantine orders issued by PHD, while fire and emergency medical services would provide medical transport for individuals with infectious disease.

“We provide training to each of the agencies who have to fulfill that plan,” Von Behren said. “If something does happen, we know we’re going to be successful in responding and recovering.”

She added that the county also arranges full-scale exercises so all agencies have experience in implementing the response plans for emergencies.

“When it’s time to respond, we’ve been trained on what to do,” she said.

Von Behren emphasized the importance of personal preparedness.

“Families should work to make plans for all situations, including public health incidents,” she said.

She pointed to resources like www.ready.gov, which offers information on how to plan for disasters, and www.cdc.org, which provides information about coronavirus.

“Right now, there are no confirmed cases in Idaho,” she said. “With that said, we should use the same precautions we would with influenza.”

That includes staying home when sick, washing hands with soap for 20 seconds, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and being careful not to touch one’s eyes, nose and mouth.

“That helps protect us,” Von Behren said.