PHD: Coronavirus cases reach 341

COEUR d’ALENE — The Panhandle Health District reported 26 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, bringing PHD’s total to 341.

Kootenai County’s count rose to 283, an increase of 28 cases. Benewah County remained at 13 cases, Bonner County rose two to 32 while Boundary County remained at one, PHD said. There are 12 undetermined cases, down from 16.

PHD said 122 cases are no longer being monitored, one person is hospitalized and there have been a total of 16 hospitalizations. There has been one death in Kootenai County.

The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department issued a press release Wednesday encouraging people to wear masks when in public and when social distancing is not possible. And it repeated the call to wash hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“If we continue to work together, we can reduce exposure to COVID-19 and avoid backtracking in the stages of reopening as outlined by Gov. Little,” the release said.

PHD reported that 41 people age 18 and younger have had or have the coronavirus, 195 cases are people ages 19 to 49, and 105 are 50 and over.

One hundred and 77 cases are female, while 164 are male.

Keys to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are to maintain social distancing, wash hands, avoid large crowds and wear masks in public, say health officials.

“The precautions for avoiding COVID-19 are the same as those for avoiding the flu and common cold,” PHD says on its website.

Kootenai Health is making changes to try and reduce the long lines for those wishing to be tested for the coronavirus. On Tuesday, some said they waited five hours, with others saying they waited for about three hours, as the line of vehicles wrapped around block.

Health officials said if someone has had close contact with a positive case, they should begin to self-isolate. They warn against testing too soon because “you may test negative, giving you a false sense of relief. Your doctor can help you know the right time to be tested.”

COVID-19 testing is available in North Idaho and anyone who needs to be tested is encouraged to call their primary care provider or PHD’s hotline.

Info: panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19 or call the PHD Hotline Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-415-5225.