Two new Kootenai County COVID-19 cases since stage 2

Since restaurants, gyms and salons reopened last Saturday in Idaho, there have been two new cases of the coronavirus reported in the Panhandle Health District.

As of Friday, PHD reports there are a total of 70 cases, with 66 in Kootenai County and four in Bonner County. Boundary, Benewah and Shoshone counties still have no cases.

There have been no cases in the PHD the past three days.

Many had feared a second wave of the coronavirus as Gov. Brad Little loosened state restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus, but that has not happened.

Sixty-seven of the cases are no longer being monitored.

As of Friday, only seven of the 70 cases have resulted in hospitalizations.

People are still encouraged to maintain social distance, wash their hands often and sanitize highly used areas around home and work. Masks are also recommended, but not required.

Little’s reopening plan for the state allows bars to open May 30.