PHD: 81 new coronavirus cases
By BILL BULEY
Staff Writer
COEUR d’ALENE — The Panhandle Health District reported there were 81 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday. That brings PHD’s total cases to 770.
Females are being affected more, with 423 cases, while 345 are male.
Kootenai County’s coronavirus count rose to 663, an increase of 68 cases.
The good news is that just three people are hospitalized due to the virus — down from five the previous days — and there has been a total of 22 people hospitalized.
That indicates that despite the more than 700 new cases since restaurants, salons and gyms reopened May 16 under Gov. Brad Little’s Rebound Idaho plan, most diagnose with the virus, at least so far, are feeling mild symptoms.
PHD Director Laura Whalen told The Press Thursday that a key is maintaining hospital capacity, which is happening. But Whalen said that could change if people don’t practice social distancing, hand washing and wear masks when in public places by others.
“Take personal responsibility and do one of those things that works,” she said.
PHD said 232 cases are no longer being monitored. There has been one death in Kootenai County attributed to the coronavirus.
Benewah County rose seven to 22 cases, Bonner County rose two to 59, Boundary County rose three to five and and Shoshone County remained at eight, PHD said. There are 13 undetermined cases.
PHD reported that the age group of 18 to 29 has the most COVID-19 cases at 277, while the 30-39 age group has 124 cases, which means those two age groups are accounting for more than half of the total cases.
The 50-59 age group has 99 and the 40-49 age group has 94.
Whalen said while the majority of those diagnosed with the coronvirus will likely have mild symptoms or might not notice anything, she worries they might spread it to those who are older or with compromised health and it would be more dangerous to them.
“I know we all have a circle of loved one we care about and we don’t want to bring this disease home to them,” she said.
On May 30, bars were allowed to reopen. Idaho entered stage four on June 13, which allowed nightclubs and large venues to open.
The precautions for avoiding COVID-19 are the same as those for avoiding the flu and common cold, according to the PHD website.
Health officials say people should practice social distancing, hand washing and wearing a mask when in public.
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.