Don’t forget your neighbor
This daily update is a public service from Kootenai Health, Panhandle Health District and The Press. It will provide new information, tips, and ways our healthcare professionals are working to keep the community safe.
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As I speak with people around our community, I know many are concerned about their well-being and that of family and friends and how the coronavirus may affect our community.
There were five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Idaho as of Sunday noon. We are aware that this situation is rapidly changing, and that community transmission could occur. This can further fears, rumors, and misinformation.
You may be wondering what you should do and when. While this is a global pandemic, disease outbreaks are not new territory in public health, and Panhandle Health District (PHD) has response plans and relationships in place within our jurisdiction to respond accordingly.
A big part of that is working with community partners — from county emergency managers, to area hospitals, schools, law enforcement, first responders, local and state public health are year-round relationships, and planning for potential outbreaks are critical in times like this, where an outbreak can rapidly change direction.
Our internal response team is in constant contact and is meeting daily to further discuss any developments and coordinate. Additionally, team members from our epidemiology, preparedness and communications teams are meeting with their counterparts in Idaho’s other public health districts and state public health.
During this time, there are those in our community who are high risk. That includes those 60 years and older and those of any age with an underlying health condition, like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a compromised immune system. These are the people we need to protect the most. This is the main reason we released our guidance on mass gatherings and public events, to protect those most vulnerable.
Although I work in public health, my family is a part of this community just like you. My children attend childcare and my husband teaches at a local school. I’m currently writing this while making pancakes and making sure the kids aren’t getting into something they shouldn’t. One can dream, right?
Here is what we are doing as a family in preparation:
• We’ve been extra aware of washing our hands often and wiping down surfaces that are touched frequently.
• Avoiding handshakes. I’ve been bumping elbows instead.
• We filled our medication prescriptions on schedule and gave the folks at the pharmacy smiles and thanks for all their hard work.
• We’re speaking to our kids (mainly our older child) about COVID-19 in a manner that lessens fears because we realize that when they are watching the news with us it can seem like a very frightening time.
• We’re checking in with grandma and grandpa.
• We’re checking reliable and accurate sources for our information.
Often the sentiment in North Idaho is that we take care of ourselves, even when we aren’t in a pandemic. Maybe you’ve been stocking up on hand sanitizer, soap, and paper towels. Maybe you’ve witnessed fears manifesting into panic and then rudeness.
Just a simple reminder to be kind. We are still a community and we are stronger when we work together. When this is over, will we be proud of how we behaved during the craziness? Give the cashier at the store a smile and a thank you. Ask your co-worker how they’re doing. Check in with your neighbor.
Maybe even offer a roll of that precious toilet paper.
While COVID-19 is making waves worldwide, in most cases it is manageable at home — much like the flu. You can find the information from this article as well as the latest updates and ways to protect yourself at cdc.gov/covid19.
