Public asked to keep daily journal for virus tracing

Due to the increasing threat of community transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management encourages the public to keep a daily journal logging places visited and people contacted.

In the event of a positive test, this information is vital in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Epidemiologists use the information to trace potential exposures. Contact can then be made to find out if proper protocols need to be enacted, including isolation precautions and testing for the virus.

Below is an example of a daily journal entry:

Date: March 30, 2020

Places visited: Grocery store, gas station, park, home (be specific on locations, names and times)

People visited with in person: Mother - Jane; brother - Frank; son - Scott; Neighbor - John Doe